Power Lunch Tips 
The power lunch is an invaluable tool to woo clients and keep them happy, and to create important connections that can help further any career. The key to a successful power lunch is understanding the unspoken rules. Here are the top 5 things you need to know before you head out to your next lunch.
1. It’s Not All About Lunch Anymore
When the power lunch first became a business tool, the world was much more situated around a 9-5 business atmosphere. In today’s global economy, the work day is no longer set up in this way. Use that fact to your advantage. A power lunch no longer has to literally be a lunch – it can be breakfast, an early dinner, or coffee.
2. Have Clear Objectives
An effective power lunch perfectly tows the line between business and pleasure. You do want the person you’re meeting with to enjoy their meal, to enjoy your company, and to be relaxed, but you don’t want to get so far off topic that you never get around to the reason you’re meeting. Have clear objectives and defined goals before your meeting. Brainstorm up with polite, subtle ways to steer the conversation back on topic if necessary.
3. Save the Alcohol for After Dinner
The days of the two martini lunch are far behind us. In the current economy, you’ll find no faster way to erode a potential client’s confidence in you than having a drink in the middle of the day. Even if they’re fine with it, remember that alcohol impairs your ability to make decisions, to concentrate, and to remember everything that happened during the meeting. Take the high road and just say no.
4. Keep Your Guest Talking
It can be tempting to use the entire meeting to talk about your proposal or your business, but keep in mind that no one likes to spend time with someone who only talks about themselves. People crave dialogue, and they look to work with people who listen and make them feel as though their thoughts and opinions are important and valued. Ask your lunch companion questions, listen to what they have to say, and share your own experience. This is an honest way to bond that will give you more insight into how to better work with them, and will make them feel more at ease.
5. Always Pay the Check
The person who asked for the meeting should always be the one to pay. As a result, if you initiated the meeting, then you need to be the one to pick up the check. When the check arrives, mentally check the list you made of your objectives and goals for the meeting. If you got off track or didn’t hit all the points you wanted to, now is a good time to do so. Remember that it’s never polite or wise to point out the fact that you paid the check. Even if you do it in a joking manner, it is likely to come across as tacky to your guest.
These five rules will help you get the most from your power lunch, and will increase the chances of success. Add the elegance and safety of a chauffeured car for you and your client, and you'll definitely make the right impression. Get a few more ideas for maximizing success at a power lunch from Inc., clean and press your best business attire, and set up your next power meal!
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