The Etiquette Review Volume 1, issue 2

From the offices of Judy Paquette,director of Étiquette SVP — addressing etiquette issues facing the business person today.

EXECUTIVE MANNERS...

IN A RESTAURANT

Three-martini lunches are history, but business deals are cemented over a meal more frequently than ever. Restaurateurs all over North America capitalize on this trend and have made it their business to provide elegant surroundings, atmosphere, and superior service for the discerning business host. You want to impress an important client? Choose the right restaurant and sharpen your hosting skills… Remember that you, ultimately, are responsible for the enjoyment of your guests.

Tips to remember the next time your "out of town" clients fly in for a meeting and you are in charge:

  • Opt for a restaurant that you are familiar with. The best surprise is no surprise!
  • If the restaurant you choose will not take reservations (this is sometimes the case at lunch), keep looking!
  • Choose a restaurant not only for its atmosphere but also for its location - if your guests are flying out after the meal, your best choice may be the airport hotel, for instance.
  • Do your homework in advance by reviewing the menu and the wine list with the restaurant staff - here is your chance to ask the questions that show your inexperience, without repercussions to your career!
  • Check with the Maître 'd that the table you have been assigned is to your satisfaction and is away from high traffic areas.
  • Arrive at least ten minutes before your guests to greet them (preferably at the entrance) as they come in.
  • Settle the bill in advance by giving your credit card imprint. Nothing caps a business meal like the simple statement: "It's been taken care of."
  • Act like a host as you would in your own home. The restaurant staff are simply your assistants-you run the show.
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Gauche Gaffes

  • Sending a joke via e-mail to your friend at work is plain risky. Many companies have made it policy that e-mail accounts are to be used for business purposes only.
  • A thank you note via e-mail loses 90% of its impact. A handwritten message on appropriate stationery, on the other hand, is always perceived as meaningful.

TABLE ETIQUETTE
ESSENTIALS
  • Glasses are to the right.
  • Bread and butter plate is to the left.
  • Flatware is arranged in the order that the courses are served, starting from the outside.
  • The dinner napkin is always placed on your lap - never tucked in your pants or collar!
  • Continental Style of eating is considered most elegant.
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The Etiquette Review Volume 1, issue 1

From the offices of Judy Paquette,director of Étiquette SVP — addressing etiquette issues facing the business person today.

BUSINESS LINKS

98% of fortune 500 CEOs pick golf as their sport of choice.

Golf has, without question, evolved into the business person's game. 98% of fortune 500 CEOs pick golf as their sport of choice and encourage their top management to use the game to build business relationships. In a nutshell, here is why: Every four or so  hours your client spends with you playing golf is four hours he/she is not spending with the competition! Men and women, expert golfers and beginners alike can effectively use the links as a business tool. Like no other game, though, it can bring even a seasoned player to his knees in frustration – if you're not absolutely confident that you can manage yourself around the course, choose another form of relationship building!

To be a first-class host on the links it is essential that you know the game well and that you respect the rules of ETIQUETTE… The following are tips that will help if you are relatively new at entertaining on the course:

TIPS FOR NOVICE GOLFERS:

  • Book a lesson on the course with a pro and ask him/her to fill you in on the rules of etiquette and the rules of the game. Have several games under your belt before you invite clients!
  • Play the course where you will entertain beforehand and study it well so that you can be a resource person to your guest.
  • Offer a choice of tee times to your guest if possible. Let him know your caliber of play without being overly self-deprecating! If your guest is a good golfer you may want to include a third party of equal or higher caliber to make it interesting for him.
  • Send your guest a fax of the directions to the club (if they have never played at this course previously) to avoid any delays due to misconstrued directions.
  • Pay particular attention to the dress code at the club and communicate this information to your guest to avoid him any embarrassment. Always wear a collared shirt even if it is not obligatory.
  • Have all the necessary equipment in your bag so as not to have to borrow from your guest! Carry an umbrella, ball retriever, rain gear and four to five sleeves of balls. Keep a copy of an official rule book in your pocket and be familiar with the rules of the game.
  • Arrive one hour before tee time. Pay for the green fees as well as the cart well  before your guest shows up to arm-wrestle you. Encourage him (if time permits) to practice at the range and the practice green, all on your tab, of course.
  • Be a first class, safety-conscious host. Always put your guest's enjoyment ahead of your own ego. If you are playing like a heel don't draw unnecessary attention to the fact. Concentrate on keeping up the speed of play and making your guest's round an enjoyable one. Your guest will be much more concerned about his own score than yours. Relax, play with humility and pick up your ball if you are slowing down the game.
  • If your guest wants to gamble, keep the wagers small. Never wager for more than what is in your pocket!
  • Always keep an eye out for your client's ball, watch her shots, and help with yardage markers.
  • As the host you are responsible for speed of play. Most courses expect a round for a foursome to be completed in less than four hours and twenty-five minutes.
  • Let the more experienced golfer drive the cart – usually this same person keeps score.
  • Bring up business gently. Get to know the client's family, hobbies and background during the first 6 to 9 holes. Afterwards, business can gradually be introduced, if the client is receptive. Know in advance if your guest will have time for the 19th hole and maybe even dinner as this may be where most of the business talk will take place.
  • Send a follow up note to you customer saying how you enjoyed the time with her and when you will contact her next for business.
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Gauche Gaffes

  • Taking a call on your cellular while in a meeting is plain rude. If you must keep your cellular phone on, ask permission of the chairperson before the meeting starts and apologize in advance for the possible disruption. If your phone does ring take the call outside the meeting room.
  • You may find yourself excluded from future get-togethers if you propose a toast to a guest of honour before the host has a chance to do so.
  • When in Germany, never keep your left hand in your pocket when shaking hands with someone.
  • Spilling a drink on someone's lap is an accident but making a joke of the incident is a gaffe. Give a sincere apology (just once), and offer to pay the dry cleaning bill, PERIOD.
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