PDS: Networking & Dining Etiquette Eli Broad - January 2008 Michelle Mitchell.

PDS: Networking & Dining Etiquette

Eli Broad - January 2008

Michelle Michelle MitchellMitchell

Why have this presentation?

The word, Etiquette comes to us from the French. It was originally associated with the body of ceremonial rules governing the Royal Court of France.

“Keep off the grass”

When Louis XIV’s gardener discovered people were trampling his grounds, he put up signs, or etiquets, to warn them off.

Why Learn Etiquette?

• We need a common language of social skills

• We like to meet, talk, dine, and do business efficiently in a pleasant atmosphere without embarrassing ourselves or others

• Those of us who possess and display good skills make lasting impressions

Impressions

First impressions are vital and are formed anywhere between 4 and 60 seconds

Impressions are long-lasting, often irreversible

Initially based on stance, eye contact and dress

First Impressions

Comparable business/social level = suitable for further interaction

Higher business/social status = admired & cultivated (valuable)

Lower business/social status = tolerated

Business Interaction

s

Handshakes

Introductions

Introducing Yourself

1. Hello, my name is Michelle Mitchell.

2. I am with Michigan State University.

3. I am a new Chamber member, this is my first event.

Introducing Others

Social Etiquette - based on gender & age

Business Etiquette – based on rank & position

Most important thing – Make them! Don’t avoid people.

• Introduce the most important person TO the other, making eye contact with the person who needs the information

• Present the most important person with “the gift” of the less important person

Scenarios1. Senior VP to New Associate

2. Sales Manager & Client

3. Group Introductions

4. Young male & older male

5. Older female & spouse

Difficult Situations

1. When no one introduces you

2. Forget a name?

3. First Names

4. Relationships

At the event…

Greetings

Pause and look around the room confidently

Relax

Smile at anyone who makes eye contact, act as if you have all the time in the world

Stance

Back to the wall, face others. Look for natural openings

Make Your Entrance

Place drink in left hand, wrap napkin around it

Eat and drink minimally

Avoid messy and sticky foods

Always be prepared to meet people

Food & Beverage

Breaking Into Conversations

Small-talk is

like a game

of catch

Breaking Into Conversations

•Be sincere and LISTEN

•Be positive and complimentary to your host, the occasion & your surroundings

•Learn more about others than you share about yourself

•Use open-ended questions

Things to Remember• Don’t interrupt or correct someone

• Don’t bring up argumentative topics

• Be informed of current events and the audience in attendance

• Don’t tell anything that will make another person look bad

• Be brief, be polite, don’t be a know-it-all

Escape Hatches• Forget a name?

• Buddy System

• Need to excuse

yourself?

• Leaving the event

Business Cards• Always have them with you, and

in good shape

• Ask for at the end of a conversation

• Write notes (LATER)

• Cultural differences

Follow-Up

• Always thank the host and/or hostess.

• If business was conducted, follow-up with any information that was promised.

Networking

It’s not who you know…

but who knows YOU

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

Based on the “small-world” theory, which states that people can be linked through connections

Purpose

Meeting more people

Learning about industries, businesses, etc.

Quality, not quantity

Relationships take a time investment

Build off of common interests, etc

Hosting Guests• Make all arrangements prior to

arrival

• Host/hostess sets the tone and pace of the meal

• Ensure that all are equally engaged in conversation

• Having good manners = never making anyone feel uneasy

Dining Etiquette

Dining EtiquetteWhy does it matter?

Why should it be important to know?

Continental

vs.

American style

Top 10 Things to Remember

1. Know how to navigate the place setting. Solids (food) are on your left. Liquids (beverages) are on your right. Pass counter-clockwise.

2. Don’t touch your head or face at the table.

3. Cell phones and pagers are off or silent.

4. Excuse yourself when necessary; leaving between courses or during breaks in conversation.

5. Make good choices when ordering.

Top 10 Things to Remember

6. Do leave dropped silverware on the floor in a restaurant. Quietly signal the wait staff to bring another piece.

7. Remove alien objects from your mouth with your fingers and place them at the edge of your plate.

8. Pace yourself according to the others at the table.

9. Don’t draw attention to the fact that you are uncomfortable or out of your element. If something embarrassing happens, make light of it.

10. Be a good host, or follow the lead of the host. Always thank your host!!

Similar to mingling situations

Include everyone at table in conversation

Safe topics, positive comments

No business conversation until everyone has ordered, or until main course

Don’t dominate conversation

Conversations during meals

“Good manners is the art of making people comfortable. Whoever makes the fewest people uncomfortable has the best manners.”

-Jonathan Swift

Thank you for allowing me

to join you today.

[email protected]