Dear Jacquelyn,

I went on a business dinner with a client that I’ve been trying to connect with for a long time. The meeting was going smoothly up to when dinner was served. The client and I ordered steak as the main entree. My steak was served well-done, but I ordered it rare. I sent it back. It took longer to redo my steak and the client had already finished. I ended up eating while my client sat waiting. 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 that a business dinner is the stage to display your dining savvy. To keep the business dinner flowing, on time, and respectful, 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 them feel comfortable.

The goal is to make a connection with the coveted 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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