As advisors develop social relationships within the high-net-worth community, they often find themselves going out to dinner. Bryce Sanders of ThinkAdvisor has prepared a list of to help advisors make a good impression when dining with potential clients.
- Attire
Dress to impress. Advisors always want to look successful when dining with potential clients. Don't underdress.
- Timing
Be on time. Dinner parties and seated dinners in restaurants work on a schedule for the host's food preparation or the time of the reservation. Do not be the first to leave. Wait until dessert and coffee have been served before excusing yourself.
- Restaurant Tables
Arrive early or on time and let the hostesses know you are waiting for your party. If you plan to discuss business at dinner, it is best to request a table in a quiet location.
- Seeing People You Know
Many of the restaurants you visit will be popular places where you will encounter people you may know. Keep your focus on your guests. Avoid floating around the room to spend time with people you know.
- Seat Selection
Ask your guests where they would like to sit. Pull the chair out for ladies. Do not be the first to grab a seat. Also, try do not insist on sitting with your back to the wall.
- Ordering Food
Take the lead from your guests. Do not order before them. If everyone starts with an appetizer or salad, you do the same. It is best to choose medium-priced dishes or ones priced accordingly to your guests' selections.
- Table Manners
When dining, be polite and use common sense. Work from the outside if the table is set with multiple knives and forks. If anything is to be passed, offer left and pass to the right. Avoid reaching over the table or throwing things.
- Drinking
Follow the lead of your guests. If everyone orders a cocktail, you have one too. If you do not drink, ask the server for non-alcoholic options. Avoid attempting to show off how much you know about wine.
- When to Start Eating
It is generally polite to wait until everyone has received their meal before eating yours. In someone's private home, wait until the host starts to eat before starting on your entrée. Avoiding finishing your food before everyone else.
- Paying the Bill
Be prepared to pay your portion of the bill. Avoid asking for a separate check. Splitting the bill is commonplace. Running a separate tab for each diner is not unless this has previously been specified with the server.
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