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.”

Back to the News and Articles Page!