CONTENTS

Using Bullet Point Guides 1

MOST IMPORTANT MATTERS 3

What’s a M.I.P.? 5

Who’s the M.I.P.? 6

Who’s the Host? 7

Being a Guest 8

BUSINESS RECEPTIONS 9

Preparing Your Clothes 11

Preparing Yourself 12

Preparing Your Introduction 13

Arriving at the Event 14

Locating Your Nametag 15

Positioning Your Nametag 16

Working on Your Attitude 17

Networking 18

Talking to Groups 19

Shaking Hands 20

Types of Handshakes 21

Self-Introductions 22

Introducing One Person to Another 23

Starting a Conversation 24

Being Introduced 25

Drinking 26

Eating 28

Business Cards 29

BUSINESS MEALS 31

Types of Business Meals 33

Job Interviews 34

Banquets 36

Client Meals 38

Working Meals 39

Festive/Celebratory Meals 40

Networking Meals 41

Responsibilities of a Host 42

Making Reservations 45

RSVP: Receiving an Invitation with an RSVP 48

Cars and Parking 49

Coat Check 50

Meeting Someone at a Restaurant 51

If You’re the First to Arrive 52

Before You Sit Down 53

Sitting Down to Eat 54

Sitting at the Table 55

Ordering from the Menu 56

Menu Issues 57

Beginning to Eat 58

Talking at the Table 59

Place Settings 60

Silverware 62

Napkins 63

Bread and Butter 65

Alcoholic Beverages 66

Ordering Wine 67

Order of Courses 69

Toasting 70

Eating 72

Passing Food 74

Beverages 75

Eating Soup 76

Eating Salad 77

Buffets 78

Special Foods 79

Pausing or Leaving the Table 81

Complaints 83

Dessert, Coffee, and Tea 84

Finishing Your Meal 85

Talking Business 86

Receiving the Check 87

Tipping 88

Leaving and Following Up 90

INDEX 93