In this third part of our “Business Etiquette” series, Billy Glading and Crystal L. Bailey from the Etiquette Institute of Washington walk us through the do’s and don’ts of business etiquette for after hours events as well as business lunches and dinners.
Transcript
[ Music ] >> We all know that the workday can extend past five o'clock. And business can occur outside of the office. There are happy hours, company parties, and other events. But just because the location changes, doesn't mean your etiquette should. >> So happy hour with co-workers, you have to be especially careful. Because a lot of the times, they want you to relax, have a drink. But if you do too much of that, your inhibitions are going to be lowered and you might say things that you don't necessarily want to say to your boss or want to tell your co-workers. >> I would say limiting yourself to one to two drinks for any event that's after hours and at work like that, especially when you're networking. Being careful about not being the known partier of the group, I think is important for your reputation, as well. >> My image, whatever it is that I'm portraying as a person, as an individual directly reflects my company and so it's important for me. You're going to see that going to keep my my my guard up and I'm going to be consistent with my behavior almost as if we were in the office. >> When I hear business lunch, I think, "Perfect, time away from the office. Free food and if I play my cards right, I'll have some leftovers to take home for dinner. But truth be told, you should approach a business lunch with the same respect to etiquette that you do an in-office meeting. >> This is not the time to order spaghetti or order gumbo or something that's just going to be really kind of difficult to eat and involve your fingers. So thinking about what you order. Additionally, making sure that if you didn't have the opportunity to finish your food, don't ask for a to-go box. It says probably, to an employer or to a superior that you were here for the food. And it's really more about the conversation and the business at hand. Also, you don't want to be stuck being invite to an event afterwards and you're carrying around kind of a styrofoam box. >> Whenever you're around your co-workers, you've got to keep it professional. You have to look professional. And if you're at a business function, lunch or dinner, put your phone away. We're all glued to our cellphones. I'll admit I sometimes do it, too. But if your phone is there and you're going like this or it's beeping, oh my gosh, turn it on silent. >> Those around you are paying attention to your signals of how you know eating. To the point, is the experience that I had. I was sitting in a fine dining restaurant with a lot of international audience and she they go, "I've been watching you. You're impeccable." The following week said, "Hey we have a job opening in the international division and we want you to come work for us." So it feel into my lap all because I knew how to what fork to use. [ Music ]
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