Why are these important? Have you thought about table manners and how important it is?

11. Always practice good hygiene

No matter what you wear, good hygiene is always a must. Comb your hair. Trim your beard. Clean your fingernails. Make sure your clothes smell good. No one wants to sit next to and work alongside someone who smells like body odor and fried food.

12. If you invite others to a business lunch, its your treat

Lunch meetings give you the opportunity to get to know a colleague better, impress an investor or learn more about a client and their needs. The rule of thumb is that the person who extends the invitation covers the bill. Dont make a fuss over it.

13. Table manners matter

You should also be aware of other dining etiquette. Many of the rules that your parents enforced at the dinner table are still in play.

• Dont talk with your mouth full or chew with it open.
• No elbows on the table.
• Dont blow your nose with the napkin.
• No texting or playing with your phone at the table.

Eating while talking business can be difficult if you choose a messy item from the menu. (Stay away from finger foods like oysters and chicken wings.) The rules may change based on where you eat. If you are eating a five-star, luxury restaurant, youll want to know the table placements.