Originally Posted by
Jimmy67
Please have in mind that most ( if not all) the do's and don'ts described here are only valid in USAmerican business dinner "culture".
I worked in Japan, Germany, South ernEurope.. and it is much much different from what is decribed here
In Europe, don't put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit. Wait for the food, otherwise they think it's weird.
Also, in many countries, dinner time is much later than in the US: 8, 9 or even 10 pm is normal. Get a snack later afternoon so that you don't get too hungry, i.e., eat too much or get drunk fast (from drinking with an empty stomach) in front of your client/vendor.
AFAIK, taking leftovers home is not even an option in Europe. Besides, the individual portions are not that big.
In Mexico, lunch is late: 3 or 4 pm.
But, in general, when making conversation, avoid controversial issues (politics, religion, sometimes even sports). Don't talk about yourself the entire time, even when it's a job interview situation. Ask "neutral, inoffensive" questions, too.
Reading news ca be very helpful in these situations. Your client may ask you "how about the California fires?" and you don't want to go "Uh?" because you are totally unaware of what's going on in the world, outside your work.
In order words, don't sound dumb.
