Dining
Dining together is a traditional way of forming relationships with others, and a business lunch is often a minefield for those who do not know the basics of etiquette.
When you are hosting a business meal:
- Consider the location - Primarily, it must be conducive to the kind of business you'd like to conduct
- Consider the time - The business "lunch hour" of 12-1 generally means restaurants are noisy and crowded and service is rushed and subpar. Arranging an early or late lunch is preferable.
- Be sure to provide directions and a number for the restaurant if your guest doesn't know the location
- The host sets the agenda - Generally, allow everyone to arrive and order. Business can be discussed while waiting on the meal, during the mean, and/or after the meal.
- As a host (the person who initiated the invitation), the bill (as well as tips) is your responsibility
As a guest at a business meal, that author suggests that you should "be courteous and considerate" but is vague as to what that means.