Doing business over dinner is a good way to introduce yourself to clients, build relationships and seal the deal. Get it right, and it’s duck soup. Get it wrong, and you’re dead in the water.
“Always be familiar with the restaurant so there won’t be any surprises,” says Lydia Ramsey, author of Manners That Sell. “Show up on time, dress appropriately, don’t drink too much, keep the conversation going, and you’ll be fine.”
As the host, everything falls to you. Extend the invitations to a business dinner at least one week in advance, and, for a breakfast or lunch, at least three days ahead of the scheduled date.