Professional Etiquette for Business Meals

Monday evening, Illinois State University’s Business Week committee organized an amazing evening for networking and learning proper meal etiquette.  As a participant, I had the opportunity to meet and network with representatives from Travelers Companies Foundation and StateFarm.  The Keynote speaker was Anthony Knierim, Chief Marketing Strategist for RadMatter and Global Digital Media Solutions Lead for Aon Hewitt.  He spoke about the power of Social Media in the recruitment and hiring process.  Following my discussion of proper meal etiquette, I will share some of the tips and tricks he shared.

Tips for presenting yourself properly during a professional meal: 

 

1. Your drinking glass is the one that is farthest right.  You should keep it to your right. 
2. Your bread plate is the one to your left hand side.
3. Utensils should be used in order, from the ones on the outside to the ones closest to the plate. 
4. Bread should be broken off piece by piece and buttered individually as you eat it.  It is considered impolite to cut your bread roll in half (like a sandwich).
5. Napkin should be placed on your lap as soon as you sit down, not tucked into your shirt.
6.  If you are leaving the table and will return, leave your napkin on your chair.
7. When you are done eating, place your napkin to the left of your plate.
8. Do not let any used utensils (including handles) touch the table.
9. If you drop your napkin or a utensil, do not grab it from the floor.  Instead, discretely ask your waiter for a new one.
10.  It is best to avoid controversial topics during a professional meal.
11.  It is best to avoid ordering alcoholic beverages.
12.  Any utensils placed on top of your plate are to be used for dessert.
13.  Do not use your hands to aid your food onto your fork.  Instead, use a knife.
14.  Do not lick any of the utensils.
15.  Pass bread/salads/dressings always to your right.
16.  If someone asks you to pass the salt or pepper, it is polite to pass both at once.
17.  Do not start eating until everyone is served.

Tips for creating a successful online presence:

1. Include a picture of yourself on your Social Networking Websites.  Do not upload any inappropriate photos.
2. Include your full name on profiles you wish to be identified/traced to you.  Remember phone numbers or addresses can also be searched and connected to you.
3. On LinkedIn make sure you have at least three recommendations.
4. You should be connected to at least 30 people on LinkedIn to ensure that your profile pops-up in a Google search.
5. Join groups that share your interests.  For example, if you join a group on LinkedIn you have access to messaging the members, even those who you would not be able to message otherwise (if you lack connections).
6. Most recruiters and hiring managers will do a Google Search of a candidate.  Make sure you do not have profiles that portray you in a negative way.  Especially if you are still in college, pay attention to the pictures you are tagged in and the statuses you post on Facebook – all of that can be traced to you!
7.  Blogging is always a great way to leave positive online traces of yourself.

These are the main points from the presentations that stood out to me.  Until last night, I had no idea what the correct way to eat bread was!  Even if you have plenty of experience in these settings, periodically attending seminars can refresh your memory and keep you updates on any new standards.  

What tips can you share regarding proper meal etiquette or maintaining a positive online presence?      

Introduction

Hello, my name is Gabi Radanova.  I am a junior at Illinois State University pursuing degrees in International Business and Finance.  I have always had an interest in traveling, interacting with people of different cultures, and learning to solve problems by looking at the issue through a different perspective.  When I started taking business courses, I was fascinated by the effects businesses have on the world as a whole and how the decisions made by top executives affect people from every corner of the world!  I was thrilled to find the right program for me that combines my passion for travel and managing money.  To further my understanding of  International Business I will be studying abroad in Metz, France during the summer of 2012.  I also plan on exploring various countries throughout Europe to gain more experience.

I dedicate my time at ISU to various organizations.  I am the chapter president of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, an honorary society for the top 10% of students in universities all over the country.  As well I am an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional Business fraternity.  As part of the Professional Committee I help bring guest speakers to our chapter.  I am also honored to be mentored by a retired French teacher through the Senior Professionals program.  Being a student at the Honors Program I am also able to take advantage of numerous enriching activities.

I hope all of the ways I spend my time prepare me for a challenging, global career.  My dream is to retire as the Director of the International department of a multinational financial institution where I can oversee international projects and be the decision maker for which projects are in the company’s best interest to undertake.