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You know not to talk with your mouth full or slurp your soup.
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But pay attention to the expectations
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peculiar to the business lunch,
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and it may pay dividends later.
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You will need: reading material, a firm handshake,
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eye contact, a greeting,
conversational skills, focus, a thank-you note,
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and a small token of appreciation.
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Step 1 Arrive early. Take something to read to pass the time.
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It's better to arrive first than to run late
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and rush in at the last minute.
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Step 2 Turn off your cell phone or put it on “vibrate”
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before going into the restaurant.
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Nothing is more obnoxious than a phone interrupting
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a meal — or an intense business discussion.
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Step 3 Stand to shake hands as people come in,
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regardless of your gender.
Make it firm and friendly and make eye contact.
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If you come to a business lunch as a guest of your spouse,
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remain seated and let your spouse stand to greet everyone.
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Step 4 Put your napkin in your lap right away.
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Pass salt and pepper together even if only one is requested.
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When you've done eating, lunch etiquette dictates
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that your knife and fork go on your plate,
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and your napkin goes to the left side of your plate.
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Step 5 Prepare a genial greeting.
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Concentrate on making a favorable impression,
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and make your lunch companions feel
comfortable by engaging in small talk.
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Step 6 Control the urge to glance round the room
even when a conversation is boring.
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Stay focused and look interested.
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When your eyes wander, you give the impression that
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you're looking around for something more interesting.
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Step 7 Follow the senior person's lead when
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ordering food by getting something in the
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same price range even if you are encouraged
to order whatever you want.
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Step 8 Take the initiative and settle the
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check right away instead of waiting and looking
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like you are trying to dodge the issue.
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Others will appreciate your initiative.
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Step 9 Write your host a thank-you note or email.
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If you derived a business benefit,
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send a small token of appreciation.
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Did You Know: Although business lunches
were once 100 percent write-offs,
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a 1986 tax code change changed
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the rule to 80 percent, and in the '90s,
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businesses could only write off half
the expense of a business lunch.