Climb corporate ladder through stomach
Monday, March 04, 2002
By Anita Bruzzese,
Gannett News Service
It's probably one of the most underutilized methods of boosting your
career: food.
That's right. Everything from those spicy little hot wings to a nice
fruit salad to a yummy cheesecake. Just say you're serving it, and
watch your professional contacts eye you with renewed interest.
“We find that since Sept. 11, more and more people are wanting to
entertain business associates at home,” says Jacqueline Whitmore, an
etiquette expert in Palm Beach, Fla. “And it can be everything from
a cocktail party to ordering a ham or turkey for a nice buffet.”
So if food really is the way up the corporate ladder, how do you
make sure you don't sabotage it by committing a major etiquette
gaffe or appetizer blunder? The key, experts say, is preparation.
Just like any good presentation at work, it's critical you do your
homework before dishing up the rice pilaf at home.
For example, you probably want to keep the gathering confined only
to your immediate business associates. That means only significant
others should tag along, and your own kids should spend the night at
Grandma's, and Fido should be put in a safe area away from guests.
If you're truly making this a professional gathering (Hint: you can
write this off your taxes if it's strictly business), then ask
people with similar business interests.
Other key considerations include:
Serving non-embarrassing food. That means you don't let guests
struggle to eat spaghetti politely, serve so much garlic-laden food
the paint begins to peel off the walls, or expect guests to juggle
food that requires both hands, a dozen napkins and a wet washcloth.
Remembering the comfort zone. Guests are more likely to feel
comfortable and spend more time conversing with you and others if
the menu or the decor is not too fussy. Make sure there is enough
room to move around, even if it means removing some furniture. And
don't forget to be flexible: An outdoor event may have to be moved
inside if it rains, if scorching hot or the mosquitoes are using
your guests as a smorgasbord.
Communicating.
If you tell guests to dress “casual” and then they
show up in cutoffs and a fishing shirt, they're going to be mighty
displeased to see others dressed in “business casual.” If you're
going to offer swimming, be sure you offer changing facilities on
site, and make sure guests know about it. At the same time, be clear
with guests when they arrive where they may find various drinks or
cocktails, what time the meal will be served, etc. The key to a good
affair is making it clear to the guests what to expect from your
shindig.
Keeping the party positive. While you may want to offer alcoholic
drinks, make sure there is plenty of soda, juice and water. A
business gathering can quickly turn ugly if someone has too much to
drink and embarrasses everyone. At the same time, try to steer
conversations to pleasant topics, such as hobbies or sports.
Discussing the latest layoffs at work or industry woes can quickly
put a damper on the atmosphere.
Get help if you need it. This is a chance for you to get to know
business associates better. If you or your partner are running
around filling drinks, getting more ice, or taking the roast out of
the oven, then you've blown the opportunity. Consider using a
bartender or caterer, and think of it as a business investment.
“Entertaining business associates shows that you
are a team player, and that is a very special thing opening your
home to others,” Ms. Whitmore says. “It lets people see a side of
you that they don't normally see at work. It opens up a new realm of
conversation.”
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