The type of business lunch you plan depends on who's invited. If it is a business lunch to woo a new client, it's going to be much different than a lunch to celebrate a colleague's promotion. When you're planning a business lunch, consider what kind of impression you want to make on your guests. One thing to keep in mind is to always check with your guests to see what food allergies or restrictions they might have. Lots of people love sushi, for instance, but some people are allergic to fish. As the host of the business lunch, make sure your credit card has plenty of room (it would be highly embarrassing to have it declined at an important lunch). Finally, make sure that everyone is dressed appropriately for the restaurant. This can be easily ensured by emailing guests a link to the restaurant's website along with a short description of the atmosphere and dress code.
For Prospects
If you are hosting a business lunch to land a new account, it might be tempting to go all out and make reservations at the most expensive restaurant in town. A recent article on CNNMoney.com's Fortune magazine warns against this because the prospective client may see your business as being wasteful. Going too casual is also a no-no. You can avoid these types of problems by always having the client suggest the restaurant. When in doubt, however, aim high. It's better to dismay your prospect by taking him to a high-end restaurant than insulting him by taking him to the local burger joint.
For Clients
If you're having a business lunch for a high-end client, one idea is to have a lunch that encourages a social atmosphere. For instance, Ethiopian restaurants often serve the table's meals on one dish, and everyone eats out of it with their fingers. This may foster goodwill between you and your client. Taking your clients to a Middle Eastern restaurant where everyone sits on big pillows on the floor is another idea. Japanese tea houses are also an idea for your clients, as the tea-drinking ceremony is meant to put everyone at ease.
For Employees
If you're the boss and you're taking the team out for lunch to celebrate someone's birthday or promotion, consider having your business lunch outdoors. A lot of workers spend all their daylight hours cooped up in offices or cubicles. Having your lunch al fresco could be a nice change of pace. If you have a small team, consider taking them to an Italian or Chinese restaurant, where dishes are served family-style (big portions that are meant to be shared). If your team is large, try to find a restaurant that serves a wide variety of dishes that will suit most people's tastes. Buffet-style restaurants have this option.
For Employers
If you and your coworkers are taking your boss out to lunch, this is the time to splurge. Find a copy of Zagat's or consult the food column of your local newspaper to see what restaurant is "hot" and then make reservations. This works especially well in urban areas, where 4- and 5-star restaurants are plentiful. If you live in a rural area, just take your boss to the nicest restaurant in town.
For Colleagues
If you're having a business lunch with your peers, one way to impress them is to invite them to your house and have the food catered. Otherwise, taking a poll of where everyone wants to go is a good idea. If it's a working business lunch, the same idea applies: poll your coworkers to see what kind of food they want, and then have it ordered in.
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