Entertaining Business Guests At Home
Hosting a business
dinner at home can be a great opportunity to cement and forge new business
relationships. But if you make a faux pas, no one will forget it—no matter
how small the mistake. If that isn’t enough to discourage you from business
entertaining at home, then follow these tips to ensure you plan a mistake-free,
successful event:
• Carefully
consider the seating arrangements. Don’t let guests sit wherever they want.
Figure out why each person is there and sit him or her next to an appropriate
match. For example, don’t seat two competitors next to one another, but
do seat people who want new business next to potential clients.
• Be clear about
the dress code. “Casual” won’t cut it since that can mean everything from
a silk pantsuit to a pair of shorts.
• Invite good
friends. Mix up the guest list with a few of your friends who are good
conversationalists and can provide an enjoyable atmosphere. Most business
associates prefer social gatherings that aren’t focused only on business.
• Let the kids
join you. If they’re old enough to hold polite conversation, then let the
kids sit in on dinner. If they’re too young, introduce them to your guests
and then have a baby-sitter take them elsewhere.
• Keep the meal
simple. Business entertaining is best accomplished with simple, good food.
Your job is to concentrate on your guests, not on fancy dishes that’ll
distract you.
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Information Provided By
First Draft
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