skills for success

Colleen A. Rickenbacher, CMP, CSEP, CPC

Colleen is a business etiquette expert and author of “Be on Your Best Business Behavior,” and the newly released “Be on Your Best Cultural Behavior.” 

www.colleenrickenbacher.com

Ten Tips for a Meeting or an Interview Over a Meal

Fall 2008

MANY MEETINGS and interviews are now handled over a meal. But is your mouth full as you talk, burp and blow your nose at the table? Probably not a good first impression. You don’t have to be straight-backed, prime and proper, but a few simple guidelines might be helpful.

1. Arrive on time. Five to ten minutes early would be appropriate. 
2. Turn your cell phone off or any electronic device before you enter the restaurant.
3. Follow your host. Let them sit first and then select the seat for best eye contact.
4. Allow the host to set the pace, open the menu and order. They may want to talk a little before the meal.
5. Keep all your materials and handouts compact in a portfolio for ease to place on your lap or under your seat when a course is served. This is a dining table and not your desk.
6. Order what you like but don’t go overboard with a huge meal. The discussion is more important than what you are eating. Avoid finger food that could get messy or take a lot of concentration to peel, crack or pull apart.  Easy foods and small bites are best to answer questions quickly without your mouth being full.
7. If it is an evening meeting or interview and you are offered wine or an alcoholic beverage, use your best judgment. One drink is sufficient. You need to keep your wits about you. It is fine to decline and select a non-alcoholic drink.  If they ask you to make a recommendation of a wine, do not order or suggest a wine that is the most expensive. Be reasonable and sensible.
8. Know when to end.  Make sure they want coffee or dessert before you order both and then sit there eating and drinking while they are looking at their watch.
9. If they invited, then they pay. You can offer but standard etiquette is for the person inviting to pay.
10. Follow up with a thank-you note. Appreciate the time you spent with the client or a prospective boss. A handwritten note sent immediately thanking them for the time spent is always appreciated and a good way to hopefully remind them you want their business or the job. 

Internationallize Your Business:

How to Work with Diverse Clients Without Leaving the U.S.

Summer 2008

TAKE A LOOK at the people in your company and your vendors.  Think about your neighbors and community members.  Chances are these people are a blend of nationalities, cultures and religions.  The United States has long been called a “melting pot” and, according to research, the diversity is only going to increase.

This multicultural atmosphere not only affects our daily lives, but also our companies and the way we do business.  Maybe you never actually cross an ocean to work with a person from another country, but whether you realize it or not, you are still working and selling globally.  This includes the business you do over the phone, on the Internet, in a meeting, or over a meal.  We need to continue to build a strong relationship and better understanding of this diverse clientele.

Religion:  Understand their culture. Religion in other cultures is often the basis for their work and existence. Respect other people’s religious holidays and be aware of the days they celebrate so it doesn’t conflict with a major deadline or important meeting.

Family:  Family is also a major factor in their structure. Be respective of the time they want to spend with their family, and work within an agreed upon schedule.

Person-to-person contact can be a wonderful opportunity for you to close a deal or for future communication. Your appearance, body language, service and leadership styles, gestures and overall attitude can make that difference. Status and respect in other countries is judged by first impressions. How are you doing?

Are you meeting them at the right time and day? Ninety-nine percent of other countries use a 24-hour clock or military time. The U.S. lists month/day/year. They list day/month/year. Clarify so you are arriving on the correct day, correct month and at the correct time. I would suggest spelling out the month to avoid any confusion.

As a business in today’s marketplace, your company needs to stay competitive. Learning how to work with and be respectful of other cultures can give you that extra edge. Many countries are now conforming to more westernized styles of dress, handshakes instead of a bow and many have even adopted our style of work.  But their ties run deep to their culture and knowing and understanding will put you a step ahead. 

Conference Etiquette:  Tools to Survive Your Next Industry Event
Spring 2008

CONFERENCES and trade shows should be wonderful learning experiences and also fun. The education and the connections will happen naturally, but here are a few “etiquette” tips to help avoid any embarrassing mistakes.

The Opening Reception

Don’t come so hungry that you attack food as soon as you arrive.  Networking is a time to connect first, then eat and drink.  Eat a snack before the event.  The purpose is to meet and greet people which can be difficult when you’re eating and drinking.

Do your homework and make it your mission to connect with as many people as possible.  But then follow-up.

Move around the room.  When you meet someone, introduce yourself, exchange business cards, talk, possibly set-up another time to get together when you return to the office.  Shake hands as you leave, thank them and then move on to the next person.

General or Educational Sessions

Respect the speaker.  If you must have a conversation or make a phone call, leave the room out of respect for the speaker and the people around you.

If you’re with a “talker,” politely tell them that you would love to chat after the session.  Be polite, sincere, and do it at the beginning of the conversation.

Come to the session prepared with notebook paper and pens.  It’s tacky to have to borrow.

Don’t take up two or three seats.  Move in and meet someone new.  Introduce yourself and enjoy their company before the speaker begins.  Arrive early, sit in the front.

Networking Events

Begin and end each conversation with a handshake.  Always stand-up when you shake hands.

Even if you’re shy, making small talk is easy. Ask people when they arrived, their travel, the weather, about the conference or the speakers.  Avoid any emotional topics such as politics or religion.

Wear your name badge.  Make sure your name can be easily seen, preferably on the right side (it’s easier to read when you’re shaking hands).  If your nametag is on a lanyard, don’t make it so low that people have to bend to read it.

Bring hundreds of business cards.  Your purpose should be to meet people and hopefully bring back business to your company.  Present your card with your name and logo facing the recipient.  Always stand to exchange cards.

Good luck at your next meeting. 

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