Dear Jacquelyn,

Recently, I went on a business dinner with a client who I’ve been trying to connect with. The meeting was going smoothly. My client and I ordered steak. My steak was served well-done. I had ordered it rare, so I sent it back. It arrived 30 minutes later. My client had finished. I ate while my client sat waiting. This created an awkward situation. What was I supposed to do to avoid this uncomfortable situation?

Dear Reader,

Having a meal prepared properly is always ideal but sometimes things can go awry.

Food aside, the goal of a business dinner is to make a connection and forge a relationship. In our fiercely competitive job market, the business dinner is the one place you can’t afford to get it wrong.

The key is to not make the dinner solely about the food, but about presenting yourself with social skills that essentially boil over into business.

What has worked for you at the family table may have served you just fine but could possibly cost you a coveted deal. Keep in mind the business dinner is a stage to display your dining savvy.

To keep the business dinner flowing, on time, and respectfully, there is a proper way to handle this. First, plan ahead. Eat something light before dinner so you are not ravenous. This will take your own focus off the actual meal so you are able to focus on the situation at hand.

For future dinner meetings, I would suggest not sending food back. This lag time leaves a client eating alone and in return creates an uncomfortable setting. I recommend keeping your entree and eating around it; move the food around, eat the side dishes and sip your drink.

Maintain a pace that is in sync with your guest and make the client feel comfortable. The goal is to make a connection with the client and distinguish yourself from the competition.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn Youst

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training.

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