Taking a client out for lunch or dinner is an excellent way to take your business relationship outside the formal office environment. But, while the atmosphere in a restaurant is different from that of your office, your professional image must remain intact.
Your demeanour during lunch with a client should be no different from the way you act during a business meeting in an office, says Joanne Blake, owner of Style for Success Inc. in Edmonton. “The difference is that the setting is just more relaxed and conducive to being yourself and showing your true colours.”
The key to ensuring you and your client feel comfortable and enjoy your meal lies in finding the right venue. Follow these tips to help you select the perfect location for your next lunch meeting:
> Choose a familiar place
To avoid surprises, select a restaurant you have visited recently. If you choose a restaurant you haven’t visited in a couple of years, management may have changed, making it a completely different dining experience.
> Location, location, location
Make sure the restaurant is easy to get to and accessible for everyone.
No matter how great the food is, Blake says, you should not bring clients to a sketchy neighbourhood, or one in which he or she might feel out of place or insecure. Always select a restaurant in a safe area, where clients will feel comfortable.
As well, Blake says, make sure the restaurant has easy parking arrangements. If your guest has mobility problems, make sure the venue will be accessible for your guest — with ramps, if necessary, or few steps.
Choose a restaurant that’s close to your client’s work or home, Blake says. If the restaurant is a little farther away, offer to pick the client up.
> Ask about food preferences
Find out you client’s favourite foods in advance, Blake says, to help you choose a restaurant your guest will enjoy.
If your client does not have a preference, she says, choose a mainstream restaurant with a large and varied menu.
> Check out the ambience
Consider the interior of the restaurant.
Avoid restaurants with dim lighting, Blake says. As well, make sure there aren’t many mirrors on the walls. People often feel uncomfortable if they can see themselves while they eat.
Also, make sure the noise level is appropriate for easy conversation.
> Reserve your favourite table
Location is important inside the restaurant, too.
When making reservations, you can ask for a specific table or request to be seated in a particular server’s area, Blake says.
It’s always a good to have a private table away from high-traffic areas, and a server who knows when you need something and when you’d prefer to be left alone.
And avoid the patio for a client lunch, Blake adds. While sitting outside and chatting with close friends can be pleasant on a nice day, noise and other distractions can make conversation difficult. And a strong gust of wind could send an important document across the street.