In the professional world, not all important decisions are made in meeting rooms. The most significant businesses, contracts or agreements are born around a meal, in a more relaxed, but equally strategic environment.
These meetings combine the formality of agreements, treaties or businesses with the closeness of social interaction, and become a powerful tool to strengthen relationships, generate trust and facilitate negotiations.
A work lunch or dinner is not just sharing a meal, it is an extension of the work environment where attitudes, educational level, and often good table manners are validated, a detail that is very important.
Lunches are a strategic point where the best professional image is given and links are consolidated, Relationships with clients and allies are strengthened, Business opportunities are generated, Sensitive topics are addressed with greater openness, Credibility and trust are built, especially the trust that is so important in any negotiation.
In relaxed environments it allows conversations to flow more naturally and, why not, a new friendship is reborn, favoring these agreements that perhaps would not have been achieved in a more rigid environment.
In these environments, the importance of protocol and etiquette does not disappear, even if it is a more informal environment than an office or a work forum, it comes to life more, since we have to be more cautious and calculating. Remember that today, you have to be smarter than kind.
The key aspects to consider are the same as always. When we are formal or formal, punctuality is extremely important. Arriving on time demonstrates respect and professionalism. Here I want to emphasize: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
The choice of place must be in accordance with the type of meeting and profile of the guests, their behavior at the table, manners, posture and body language communicate as much as words, many times more than words. Here is a biblical verse: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Proper use of the cell phone is another strategy to avoid distractions that transmit disinterest and lack of respect. Every detail projects your personal and corporate image.
Effective communication is the perfect balance. One of the biggest challenges in these meetings is achieving a balance between the social and the professional. In these cases it is advisable to: Start with a light conversation that breaks the ice, pleasant, enjoyable, that is always appreciated.…. Introduce work topics in a friendly and natural way, listen actively and show genuine interest in the topic. Avoid controversial conversations such as politics or religion and sports, although this is more friendly.
The key is to create a comfortable environment without losing focus on the objective of the meeting.
The host plays an important role since he is the one who invites and has the responsibility of guiding the experience, which must be pleasant in order to achieve the objective we want.
You must carefully select the menu (considering tastes and restrictions). Lead the conversation gracefully, making sure everyone or guests feel included.
The account is handled with discretion and professionalism. It is elegant to stand discreetly with a purpose, take advantage and pay without the guest noticing. A good host leaves a lasting impression. Remember that they treat you as they see you. Depending on what you demonstrate in that way, they will consider it.
What drives success in these meetings, which in essence, is an art, is preparation, emotional intelligence, because even if the business does not materialize, it must be calm and kind.
Another point is the domain of the protocol. Having knowledge of it, even the basics, will leave a very good impression on others. Always be kind and courteous.
In the end, beyond contracts, it is human connections that sustain success in the professional and everyday world. Relationships are everything in the universe of business and social life.
