If you are new to the business world, something you will eventually have to do is attend a business dinner. These dinners can be intimidating, but with a little preparation, you can make sure that you make a good impression and learn valuable information from your colleagues. Follow these tips to prepare for your first business dinner!
What Do You Wear?
When selecting what to wear, it’s important to consider the company’s culture. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed if you are unsure.
A nice blazer and dress pants would be fine for most business dinners. For ladies, consider wearing a dress or a skirt and a blouse. A good rule of thumb is to dress one level up from what you would wear to the office.
What Do You Talk About?
Business dinners are a great opportunity to learn more about your colleagues and their businesses. Please be sure to listen more than you talk, ask lots of questions, and take notes so that you can relay everything back to your team afterward.
Another key thing to keep in mind is the topic of conversation. You want to avoid discussing anything controversial, such as politics or religion. Instead, stick to topics relevant to business, including current events, industry news, and your company’s recent successes.
What Should You Eat?
When deciding on a restaurant, you will want to keep a few things in mind, the first being that you don’t want the dinner to be too stuffy. You also don’t want it to be so casual that it feels like a group of friends getting together.
There are many different types of cuisine to choose from and many dietary restrictions to consider. Find a place that offers a wide variety of options, or try sending out a survey to your group ahead of time to decide on a place that will work for everyone. If wine is available at the restaurant, you might want to order a bottle. Choose the right bottle that will pair well with the food selection and make a great impression!
Final Thoughts
Now that we have covered how to prepare for your first business dinner, let’s consider some other things to keep in mind.
First, make sure to arrive on time. If you are running late, let the host know as soon as possible. Being late for a business dinner can leave a bad impression. Finally, remember to thank your host for arranging the dinner and for their time. A handwritten note is always a nice touch.
Now that you know how to prepare, you can relax and enjoy the experience!
