We at B&J love sharing a variety of bookkeeping tips. One challenge we often find which can be awkward is going to lunch with a prospective new client, boss, business partner. Which one of you pays? What should you order? How much small talk vs. shop talk do you make? We’ll give you all the answer with these 6 ways to master a business lunch below.
1. Choose a Nice Place, Not Too Nice
It doesn’t matter if you are paying or not. Make it a good choice should the task of choosing a venue fall to you. It’s better to aim for the higher end, i.e. about 3 out of 4 dollar signs on Zagat. A good two dollar choice may also work. One of the best points is to choose a spot where your counterpart(s) will feel comfortable. Ask if they have been there before, a tip that may put them at ease. Just don’t choose anything “family friendly.” They are great for somewhere to take the kids. Not too great if you are trying to have a professional, quiet conversation.
Bonus tip: Let the host decide how much small talk vs. shop talk they want. Be ready to discuss both.
2. To Drink or Not to Drink?
Just because all the Mad Men drink during working hours doesn’t mean you should. Do your best to read the room before ordering. If your counterpart orders a drink, you should do the same. It will put them at ease. Just make sure it’s a lighter drink, such as a glass of wine or a light beer. Stay away from seconds if you have a low tolerance. If your counterpart doesn’t order a drink, don’t feel free to do the opposite. Go with a soft drink should you be the first to order as it’s better to stay on the soft side.
3. Do Your Research
Check out the website of the restaurant before you go, especially if you’ve never been there before. Study the menu. You can even call ahead of time to get recommendations. This will show confidence when it comes time to order, as well as the ability to do research beforehand. A few good bets for a lunch to order include:
- An inventive salad, such as cobb, chopped, etc.
- A fun chicken or seafood dish. They are cost-effective and appetizing.
- A small steak. It shows an appetite that isn’t overpowering.
- No ordering lobster or any of the 5 most expensive items on the list. Unless your counterpart does.
- Say “yes” if your counterpart offers to share a meal for two or split a dessert.
4. Get a Little Something for the Table
Those of you who are in control of the lunch should order something for the table, such as an appetizer everyone can share. Ask them to suggest possible starters. Items like oysters may seem luxurious. However, they can give you an advantage by seeing who is squeamish versus who is piling on the horseradish.
5. Keep it Clean
Treat a business lunch the same as a first date. You may love burgers, chicken wings, and other messy foods. They won’t win you any points on your first impression. What would you think of a business prospect with ketchup on their tie, wing sauce all over their mouths, or other eating disaster? Choose something you need utensils to eat. Take small bites. Keep your napkin at the ready.
6. Get the Itemized Bill
The ultimate bookkeeping tip for businesses lunches: save the receipt. These types of lunches are always deductible. However, the receipt is your only proof of the lunch. Be sure to jot down notes on the lunch such as who you dined with, the purpose of the lunch, etc. Write on the receipt itself if your bookkeeping tool du jour is unavailable.
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