The Business Lunch: Know your Etiquette

Your first day, the boss decides to take you out to lunch. Or, a few weeks in, you're expected to take a client out to lunch. Make sure you know the etiquette so you don't look rude during your meal!

1. Be on time!! Nothing looks worse than being late.
2. Turn off your cell phone before you get into the restaurant. On Silent. If you can hear it vibrate, so can the other person.
3. Don't glance around, looking at other tables or people. Stay with the person you are dining with. Looking around signals that you find other people more interesting than your companion.
4. If you are woman and this is business, it’s appropriate now to stand up and shake the hand of a male. Ignore the old-timers rule of women staying seated.
5. Make an opening statement as you are shaking hands. Offer a firm, warm handshake.
This is part of your first impression, so make it good. Use the guest’s first name either at the beginning or at the end of the statement. For example, "Thank you for taking the time to get together today, Jane." When needing to complete a group of introductions, highest rank rules over gender.
6. If you do the inviting, you pick up the check.
7. Immediately place the napkin on your lap. If the napkin is in your goblet, that usually means the server will place it for you. If you need to use the restroom, place the napkin to the left of your plate to let the server know you are not done.
8. Utensils start from the outside in and the dessert fork is by the dessert plate. Lay your fork and knife across your plate to let the server know you're finished.
9. Order with care. Don't opt for the messy BBQ sandwich - have a salad instead.
10. Be pleasant and polite with the wait staff. Nothing is more disenchanting than dining with a rude person.
11. Small Talk- don't just jump into business. Try and wait until at least you've done ordering.
12. Don't ask for a doggy bag!!

Enjoy your lunch!