Important business decisions and lucrative deals often take place in rigid meetings in the board room. However, it doesn’t always have to be like this. A corporate lunch at a restaurant can be a way to make the conversation less tense. Discussions over food opens up room for genuine, creative meetings that will benefit all parties involved.
Whether it’s a business lunch between partners, clients, or potential investors, a well-executed corporate lunch may be the key to securing the deal and ensuring the longevity of your company.
What is the purpose of a corporate lunch?
Why spend money to eat out for an hour when the same conversation can take place at the office? Well, meeting stakeholders and shareholders outside of a workplace setting actually has its benefits.
Takes the pressure off
Corporate meetings can get quite intense, but having the same discussion over a meal lets everyone’s guards down and creates a comfortable space for clear communication and new ideas.
Adds a personal touch
Inviting someone to lunch extends the purpose of the meeting beyond just strategising or sealing a deal. A corporate lunch allows you to engage with each other as more than just business partners or potential shareholders. It elevates the connection and creates a smooth, natural networking experience.
Keeps the meeting effective
Meeting over lunch means you only have around one hour to 90 minutes before everyone needs to return to their work. This is the perfect way to have an effective discussion, as you have to make the most of this window to get your point across.
The dos and don’ts of hosting a corporate lunch
Lunch may add a personal touch but remember to still leave a positive professional impression. Here are some etiquettes to maintain to ensure the success of your corporate lunch.
Do…
Choose the right location according to your needs
When picking a venue for your business meeting, select somewhere quite with good service so that all you’ll need to worry about is the matter at hand. Consider your company budget and the size of the party as well.
Be punctual
Arriving on time is not only a sign of respect to your guest but also shows how serious you are about the meeting.
Understand everyone’s dietary requirements and preferences
Ideally, this is done before booking a restaurant for your corporate lunch so that everyone can be catered to accordingly.
Wait for everyone to be served before eating
Starting the meal at the same time shows how you honour and include your guests in the meeting.
Keep your phone away
Give all parties your full attention by putting your phone away or keeping it face down on the table. This signals that your clients, partners, or stakeholders, are your priority for the duration of the business meeting.
Order food that is easier to eat
Long noodles are generally not recommended for corporate lunches as they tend to make a mess. Order something you can cut into smaller bites such as a sandwich, salads, chicken, or fish with some side vegetables.
Don’t…
Order without considering the price
If you’re not paying the bill, be mindful of what you order. Try not to order the most expensive thing off the menu or get too much food for yourself. This is not only proper etiquette, but also prevents you from seeming like you’re taking advantage of a free meal.
Have too much alcohol
Some cultures may have a drink or two with lunch. While this may be appropriate, it’s still important to watch your intake. Keep yourself cognisant so that you can remain professional and make wise business decisions throughout the meeting.
Fill the entire time with casual conversation
Getting carried away with small talk or personal subjects distracts you from the objective of the lunch meeting at hand. Be sure to keep the discussion balanced so that everyone gets what they came for.
Fight over the bill
The end of a business lunch often gets awkward when the bill arrives. A simple way to get around this is to arrive early and let the server know that you’ll be the one taking care of the bill. You can also pay discreetly before the meal ends.
Corporate lunches at Merah Putih
When in Bali, you and your shareholders can enjoy a business meeting over Indonesian food at Merah Putih restaurant in Petitenget. The space accommodates groups of two to 130, perfect for smaller lunches or larger mid-day events. For more privacy, there are also teak pods on the mezzanine overlooking the main restaurant floor.
Here, you won’t have to worry about ordering messy as everything from appetizers to drinks are crafted for fine dining. For lunch, choose between sharing plates of appetizers and mains or individual nasi campur dishes with every element on one plate for a more efficient meal.
Book a table for your business lunch today and enjoy these special gift vouchers.
FAQ
Meeting stakeholders and shareholders outside of a workplace setting actually has its benefits. It takes the pressure off what is usually an intense discussion and makes room for more genuine networking. It also adds a personal touch to an otherwise professional meeting, and keeps the discussion effective because it has to be completed within the 60-90-minute lunch window.
Lunch may add a personal touch but remember to still leave a positive professional impression. Remember to choose the right location, arrive on time, understand everyone’s dietary requirements, and give every party your full attention. Avoid ordering too much, having too much alcohol, and getting awkward about the bill.
Meeting over lunch should take around an hour to 90 minutes, remembering that this is the window of time most people have for their lunch breaks before they have to return to work.
Long noodles are generally not recommended for corporate lunches as they tend to make a mess. Order something you can cut into smaller bites such as a sandwich, salads, chicken, or fish with some side vegetables.
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