Showing Gratitude And Reciprocity When Invited To A Business Meal

Understanding and knowing certain nuances of business dining etiquette in the workspace can set you apart. Let’s unpack showing gratitude and reciprocity when invited to a business meal.

First and foremost is gratitude. Say thank you at least twice, and if judicious, a third time while dining:

• “Steve, Rose and Ben, thank you for inviting me today.”
• “Thank you for the recommendation of the pasta dish, I agree it’s delicious!”
• “I want to extend my appreciation once again to all of you; I thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful company, as well as the spectacular meal.”

Follow-up with an expeditious genuine nod of thanks. Contingent on the circumstances, consider:

• A handwritten note for an interview or first or formal meal together is prudent.
• Here, in the scenario of an interview, you could also send a genuine short email thank you first, accompanied by a longer handwritten note of thanks a day or two after.
• If the nature of your relationship is business and the setting of your meal is purely social, a lovely handwritten thank you is appropriate .
• If the culture of your communication is mostly digital, thank your hosts via an email.
• Perhaps you have a call or virtual meeting a few days later and you’ve sent a thank you. Here, a few words of acknowledgment again before beginning the meeting is apt.
• Maybe you dine out together often with your manager, client or colleague. An emailed note of appreciation with a personal anecdote is suitable, as well as memorable.

What about reciprocating the meal invitation?

• If it’s strictly business, ie with management, clients or vendors you’re not obliged. However responding in kind at a later point is always appreciated.
• If you and your Plus One are invited out by a client or salesperson a reciprocal invitation is not presumed.
• If you’re becoming more social with your workmates, as your relationship grows with them, it’s appropriate as well as thoughtful to requite.

“We sometimes underestimate the influence of the little things.” – Charles W. Chestnutt