When do you talk about business in a business dinner with investor(s)?
Posted by admin in Finance Saturday, 12 November 2011 13:19 2 Comments
Myself and my business partner are having a dinner with an important investor and we are curious as to when to actually bring up the business we wish them to invest in. Also, any additional tips and other etiquette ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Have a meeting before start of dinner. Discuss all the business issues in that meeting. The talks during dinner should be informal.
I’m no etiquette coach, but I would say around the entree so that everyone’s comfortable and you’ve built rapport. Be likeable, be present and keep listening to everything they have to say. Never interrupt them – keep thinking about listening. Keep good eye contact, smile and be happy to see them.
I would start the evening asking them about themselves – family, hobbies, leisure time – talk about the weather, sports and wind up at good specific business/their industry questions which could potentially lead into your proposition.
If there’s alcohol involved, drink very slowly. I mean little sippys, but do participate in what they do – unless you are reformed.
Steer clear from politics and religion. If they say something offensive about either, just smile and nod, but do not engage. Transition to something else.