Empowerment Issue January 2018 | Page 28

#DEALSANDDINING: E ven before the bill comes, it can be a high price to pay when making costly mistakes at the dinner table. Whether a high stakes business meeting or a happy hour with friends where business relationships can be formed, pull up a chair and feast on some tips to taste sweet success at any table you’re invited to sit at. business etiquette tips APPETIZERS: Things to do before the meal. • KNOW YOUR COMPANY: If eating with someone new or important, knowing interesting facts about their favorite topics makes for great dinner conversation and helps you look like a pro. A quick LinkedIn browse can be a valuable five minutes of research. Casually insert your findings so you don’t come across as an investigative reporter. Making guests hyperaware that you did research may make you look like an opportunist or disingenuous. Pace yourself. MADE BY DERRICK CHRISTIAN II • SAMPLE THE MENU ONLINE: Take a look at the menu on the restaurant website to get an idea of what you’d like. See food photos, user conversations on the best dishes and more on apps like Yelp. This helps you plan calories (if you’re counting), avoid foods you’re allergic to and impress dinner company with cool restaurant facts and your ability to guide them along the menu. BONUS: Through research you’ll also know food pricing, because you should never comment on how expensive things are when seated. • CALL AHEAD: Giving the restaurant a call to ask if there is free, validated or valet parking around the location helps plan a more efficient trip. If you’re meeting a larger group there, asking if they split the check for larger parties helps you know if you need to bring cash. No need to be surprised later. made-magazine.com | 28