<p>Have you ever attended a business lunch or dinner meeting where someone used your bread plate? Or maybe you weren’t sure which coffee cup was yours and you used the wrong one causing everyone else to use the one intended for their neighbor. Surprisingly, this happens a lot.</p>
<p>As business owners it’s important we are comfortable navigating all business situations, especially when we’re meeting with clients. Business meals are an important part of making a good impression on our clients and partners. Whether we know it or not, people do notice our manners and dining savvy and if they aren’t up to par we could lose the deal, the referral, the job or the promotion.</p>
<p>So, let’s say you’ve sat down at a table full of glasses, cups, utensils and china and you have no idea what is what, which are your items and which are your neighbors. If you remember only one thing this is it. When you sit down, put your left index finger and thumb together with your other fingers straight out to make a small b. With your right hand do the same and make a small d. Now, under the table look at your hands and let the left b remind you that your bread plate is on the left. The right d reminds you that your drinking glasses, of any type, are on the right. If you follow this simple rule you’ll never have to stumble with what bread plate or glasses/cups to use.</p>
<p>Maybe the plethora of utensils is confusing. What do I do with all of these forks? What’s this spoon for? Here are another few tips to keep you from struggling. Use the utensils farthest from your plate first and work your way in towards the plate.</p>
<p>In an informal place setting, the salad fork, which is the small fork, is farthest from the plate. The main course fork, which is bigger, is next to the plate. On the right of the plate you have the soup spoon farthest from the plate, then the knife closest to the plate. (Not to confuse you, but sometimes hotels and restaurants put a teaspoon between the soup spoon and the knife. Depending on the meal, that teaspoon could be for stirring your coffee or iced tea or it could be for dessert.) Traditionally, the dessert fork and spoon are placed above the plate, or they are brought out to you when dessert and coffee are served.</p>
<p>Now, in the event you forget this and use the wrong bread plate or fork, don’t sweat it. Just ask the server for another. And, if you’re on the receiving end of someone’s error, don’t make a big deal about it. As someone once said “Etiquette is knowing which fork to use; manners is not saying anything when your neighbor doesn’t.”</p>
<p>Navigating the place setting, especially at a large table, can be intimidating. Remember b and d and start with the utensils farthest out and work your way in towards the plate. If you follow at least these tips you’re way ahead of many people. And, you’ll feel confident and comfortable whether wining and dining Jane Client or attending a networking meeting luncheon.</p>
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2009-10-24T20:09:23Z
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b-d-success-or-how-not-to-lose-the-sale-at-lunch
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2009-10-26T03:51:52Z
2009-10-25T16:52:12Z
As business owners we conduct a lot of business over meals, whether networking lunches or meals with clients. Use these simple tips to help you navigate the business meal like a pro.
b + d = Success; or How not to lose the sale at lunch.
1
2009-10-28T17:46:56Z