Business Meal Etiquette Still Stumps Many
Business Meal Etiquette Expert Robin Jay Shares Tips for How to Succeed at The Art of the Business Lunch
Business Meal Etiquette Still a Sticky Situation for Many
As “The Queen of the Business Lunch”, I am often asked to speak on business meal etiquette. I enjoy being able to help business executives discover the right way to conduct business over the table. It’s as much about not making mistakes as it is about doing things the right way! A bad lunch experience can destroy the opportunity to build a profitable business relationship. The key is to BE PREPARED! You can prepare for everything from casual conversation to choosing the right restaurant for your business meal.
Business Meal Etiquette Tips
Some of the most important tips I can share with you are:
- Whoever does the inviting to a business meal picks up the check, unless your client asks, “When are we going to lunch?” In that case, YOU would pick up the check. That is actually a fabulous scenario because your client is giving you the opportunity to take the relationship to a higher level. And, this is the ULTIMATE purpose behind sharing a meal. Seize it! You can slip your credit card to your server when you are being seated. Your clients will be settling in and won’t even notice. This also indicates to your server that YOU are the host of this business meal.
- Is it ever okay to order alcohol at a business meal or whenever you are out with clients? I am asked this question more than just about any other; it tends to stump even the most seasoned business pros. I always recommend that you follow the leader when it comes to alcohol. That being said, be sure to TAKE IT EASY! You never want to get drunk when out with clients. Make sure you are not drinking on an empty stomach. And, if you’re at dinner and you want to offer wine, I have a simple method for ordering a nice bottle even if you’re not a wine aficianado – but your client is. In fact, my tip was published in Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover’s Soul. Don’t be intimidated! Remember, your servers are there to help you. Look at the wine list, select two options, then point to the wine list and ask your server, “Which of these two would you recommend?” Your server will direct their comments to the table. THAT is when you give your clients the opportunity to weigh in. And, most importantly, YOU will control the cost. If given the opportunity, many clients will order the most expensive bottle, hoping to impress you with their knowledge … or merely to take advantage of your expense account!
- Be prepapared for casual conversation before a business meal. Be up to date on current events, industry trends, new technology (when applicable), community events, and world affairs. NEVER bring up any topic that could be considered “controversial” – ie: politics, religion, sex, drugs, etc. Read magazines, the latest best-seller, see the newest movie at theaters, and on the day of your lunch, try to catch at least 15 – 20 minutes of a national news show.
- Avoid ordering foods that are challenging to eat. This includes most pastas, oversized burgers barbequed ribs, chocolate fondue … you get the picture! If you think you might end up wearing your meal, such as when you are served a sandwich that is too big to eat by hand, simply desconstruct it and eat it with your untensils.
Make Your Business Meals the Most Productive Time of the Day
From choosing the right restaurant in the right price range to deciding whether or not to pick up your client or meet them at the restaurant, there are many opportunities for a business meal to turn into a disaster. Don’t let this happen to you. Be prepared for your business meals by knowing what to do – and what NOT to do – before you go. Once you discover the benefits of sharing a business meal with your clients, you’ll start to see your business grow more than you ever thought possible.
If you have business meal questions, I’m here to help. Email me at Robin at RobinJay.com and I’ll be happy to help you navigate your business meals to success.
Las Vegas Motivational Speaker Robin Jay Now on eSpeakers
Motivational Sales Speaker Robin Jay Shares a Moment with Her Audience
Las Vegas Motivational Sales Speaker Robin Jay Now on eSpeakers
I’ve been a motivational sales speaker in Las Vegas for nearly 10 years. So, when Nancy Lauterbach, owner of Red Propeller Speakers Bureau, suggested I build a profile on eSpeakers, I took her advice to heart immediately! Nancy knows as much about the speaking industry as ANYONE!
The exercise of listing “everything” about my speaking career as a “Business Relationship Expert”, “Sales Speaker,” and “The Queen of the Business Lunch” on the eSpeaker website took me several days (since I was also busy doing my other work.) I needed to post my programs, bio, etc., plus re-edit a demo video so it would be free of contact information … a significant tool for bureaus.
The best part of the task was digging up testimonials for my speaking engagements across the country from meeting planners who had booked me to speak and were impressed with the outcome. Sure, I have a “one sheet” with a few choice raves (Interested? You can see some of these on this site under my speaker page.) But eSpeakers recommended I list about 15, so I ended up going through some letters I’ve received over the past few years. It was a joy to recall the various speaking engagements I’ve had. I remembered the audiences and the wonderful people I’ve met. It’s rewarding to know that as a motivational speaker, I can make a difference in how people view their business relationships. And I’m SURE I changed the way many of them will manage their CLIENT POWER LUNCHES, (plus Etiquette, and Networking, too)!
As a Sales Speaker, I Will Empower Your Teams
If you’ve followed my career at all, you know I’ve been busier making movies lately than speaking. BUT, I am always thrilled whenever I get to speak. I’m excited at the prospect of being available to speak more this year and I’m looking forward to seeing how my profile on eSpeakers will work toward generating new business. I’ll keep you posted. I want to speak to your group and empower your teams; as a sales speaker, I know what it takes; I sold advertising for nearly 20 years and regularly brought in 6-figure contracts!
An Entertaining Sales Speaker Will Make a Difference
The experience I’ve gained as a writer and producer (www.TheKeeperoftheKeys.com) has helped me as a Motivational/ Sales Speaker by giving me even more amazing stories that I can now share from the platform. An entertaining sales speaker will empower an audience by keeping them engaged! Because of this intense experience, I now think more like a business OWNER rather than merely a sales rep – and that makes my sense of what works to make businesses successful even keener than it was before, which was pretty darn keen! I’m happy to credit my ability to build great relationships for my success as a film producer. Not only did I recruit some of the most AMAZING speakers to appear in my film, but throughout the entire process – from production to editing to the premiere to my distribution deal – I have built outstanding business relationships with some remarkable experts and professionals.
I’m looking forward to meeting more people, speaking at more luncheons and events, and sharing my experience to help everyone become a Business Relationship Expert!
Want to know what you should never lick at a CLIENT LUNCH?! I have the answer for you in this video, along with some other quick tips for building better business relationships when hosting your very own “Power Lunches”:
Las Vegas Motivational Speaker Available for Last-minute Bookings
Las Vegas Motivational Speaker Robin Jay – presenting to MPI Edmonton
Las Vegas Motivational Speaker Robin Jay Available for Last-minute Bookings
As a Las Vegas motivational speaker, I understand the pressures of putting together meetings and conferences. In fact, I have helped pull together some very big meetings for seasoned event planners, and have booked everyone from an astronaut to a gospel choir in order to help my clients put on their best meeting ever.
The challenge for many people planning meetings is that they aren’t “real” meeting planners. They are Marketing Directors, assistants, and secretaries. Sometimes, a busy executive thinks an out-of-town meeting will provide a great shot-in-the-arm for his team, but they don’t think about bringing in a speaker until the very last minute. That’s where I come in.
Need a Las Vegas Motivational Speaker NOW?!
If you have a meeting coming up 1st or 2nd quarter, think about bringing me in to speak. My expertise lies in Sales, Communication, and Building Business Relationships. Doing these well can be challenging in any economy, but lately, salespeople need all the help they can get! And, my programs aren’t just “rah-rah” enthusiasm that soon fades. I deliver the nuts-and-bolts … solid takeaways that can be implemented immediately to increase sales. Plus, I’ll customize my program to your specific needs and challenges.
Also, as “The Queen of the Business Lunch”, I also speak on Etiquette and Networking. If you are looking for someone to speak to an association or network marketing group, I have an exciting new program called “The Keys to Financial Freedom.” This is an inspiring program that ties in to the keys I featured in the award-winning self-help film, “The Keeper of the Keys,” which I wrote and produced. ALL of my programs are motivational … and ultimately lead to increased sales and greater professional and personal satisfaction.
Another program I do – which is great for business or guest/spouse programs – is “The History of Las Vegas: A Study in Risk & Reward.” There is no place else on Earth like Las Vegas. Not your typical Las Vegas Motivational Speaker, I am also a 36-year resident. The rich history and the way Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself offers tremendous lessons for ANY type of business. And, I deliver an incredibly entertaining program that offers an abundance of rare photos, and it all comes together with personal anecdotes that you won’t hear from anyone else.
If your sales projections are looking weak, let me help! I’m booking a FEW speaking engagements with BIG discounts for 1st & 2nd qtr. 2013 – anywhere in the U.S. PLUS, I’m offering an Extra Discount for events in Las Vegas. Call me: 702-460-1420 today or email me at Robin@RobinJay.com to check availability. Do all you can to make 2013 your biggest year ever!
Help Your Team Increase Sales
Robin Jay shares business relationship tips to increase sales with MPI Edmonton
Robin Jay: I want to help you INCREASE SALES
Is the goal for your next sales meeting or annual conference to INCREASE SALES? Do you want to bring in a motivational speaker who can IMPROVE your team’s attitude, soft skills, and their overall ability to close more sales? That is exactly what I do. Don’t blame the economy! I can show you how to grow your sales and increase your business – whatever business you are in – and whatever the economy.
I discovered the SECRET for increasing AND sustaining sales. When I worked as an account executive, I regularly exceeded my sales goals by more than 150%! Imagine if everyone on YOUR team could do that!
The Secret to Increasing Sales is Building Relationships
How did I do it? If you want your sales executives to discover what I know, then bring me in to speak at your next meeting. I can assure you, it’s all about the RELATIONSHIPS your team will be able to build over time.
Get this: whenever I speak on sales, I ask my audiences if they have a business near their homes – a drugstore, a restaurant, a salon; but, instead of patronizing this convenient establishment, I ask if they get in their cars and drive 15 – 20 minutes to a LESS CONVENIENT business because they prefer how they are treated there. The answer is ALWAYS 100% “YES!”
The reason for this is because PEOPLE PREFER TO DO BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE THEY LIKE!
I am a Business Relationship Expert, an Award-winning Author and one of the most entertaining speakers you’ll ever hear. My engaging, fun programs are filled with tips and techniques that your team can implement IMMEDIATELY to increase sales and improve their business. Email me today – Robin at RobinJay.com – and I’ll share countless testimonials with you from satisfied clients. Call or email me today. It’s not too late to make up lost ground in 2013!
“The Keeper of the Keys” Now Available on iTunes
“The Keeper of the Keys” Now Available on iTunes
“The Keeper of the Keys” is Now Available on iTunes; Stream or Download it Today!
I’m excited to share that my award-winning film, “The Keeper of the Keys”, is now available for streaming or download on iTunes! This is huge! Why? Because people who have wanted to see it but who were put off by the cost of the DVD and the high cost of shipping can now download it or stream it from their phones, tablets, iPads, or their computers and home TVs and enjoy it – in just seconds – ANYWHERE in the WORLD!
WHO Will Love “The Keeper of the Keys” on iTunes?
Early sales indicate that this movie is HUGELY popular in Canada, Australia, and Norway – where my new friend Paal Joachim screened it for his spiritual group. Plus, the vast spiritual community in the United States has been loving it, too! Having the film available on iTunes means the world to me because now THE WORLD can enjoy it! Many of the experts in the film – like Jack Canfield & John Gray are featured on the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau site, however, they travel the world sharing their messages. Now, their fans around the world will be able to enjoy this outstanding film in which their mentors shine.
I’m excited for everyone to hear the deeply personal, moving stories that the experts in the film have shared. And, I know viewers will stay entertained and engaged because this is the first FUNNY self-help film EVER! It’s a unique hybrid that combines a funny, fictional story along with the wisdom of the experts.
It works! You’ll have fun AND be empowered. “The Keeper of the Keys” won the Las Vegas International Film Festival award for Best Independent Film and The Indie Fest award for Best Documentary.
WHY Should You Download “The Keeper of the Keys” on iTunes?
“The Keeper of the Keys” is Now Available on iTunes
This film focuses on seven keys that can change your life! These are Appreciation, Harmony (in Relationships), Passion, Faith, Vibration, Courage, and Empathy. As writer and producer of this amazing film, it was my goal to avoid the trite soundbites that are so prevalent in many of today’s self-help films. I knew the key to creating a relevant, empowering movie would lie in the personal stories of transformation as shared by the experts. Mission accomplished! This film will move and inspire you. And – it’s really FUN!
BTW, it’s VERY loosely based on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, so while it’s great to watch ANY time, it’s also perfect RIGHT NOW! Why download it from iTunes? You may wonder whether you should stream it and enjoy it once or twice, or download it so you can watch it again and again. I encourage you to download it. I assure you that you will want to watch this remarkable film more than once. AND you can share it with your family.
I look forward to sharing this fabulous film with THE WORLD! From my heart to yours, Happy Holidays.
Speakers Bureau Seeking New Authors – Speakers
Want to see some of the BIGGEST mistakes I made as a speaker and author? I could not be more candid … I wasted a TON – of time AND money! Ask authors – speakers how many mistakes THEY’VE made … or how much money they’ve spent building their careers! Check out this video.
In my role as President of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, I’m looking for SPEAKERS who want to get published and AUTHORS who want to discover how to speak to sell their books! These two professions – Authors – Speakers – go together better than PB & J!
From now until Nov. 30th, I’m looking for a few Authors and Speakers who want to meet a literary agent, discover how to promote themselves and their books, and get listed on the speakers bureau website. Contact me directly if you qualify – robin at lvcsb.com. And, if you’re not familiar with the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, be sure to check it out by clicking here. But, for now, watch this fun video. Seriously, who besides a doctor would spend so much on their education?! 
Just ask ANY speaker or author. It pays to get the guidance you need! Talk to you soon – Robin
“Robin Jay and the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau Are Looking for Authors & Speakers
“Moving Forward” with Jennifer Sabin
Here I am with Jennifer Sabin on the red carpet at the premiere of “The Keeper of the Keys.” Jennifer was featured in the film for having the passion necessary to rebuild her business THREE TIMES!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 – I will be the guest on Jennifer Sabin’s Voice America Internet Radio Show: Moving Forward, today at 10AM PST/1PM EST.
Jennifer was a featured expert in the movie I wrote and produced, “The Keeper of the Keys”, and she’s one of my favorite people. She lives in the Miami area so I don’t get to see enough of her, which is just one reason I’m delighted to have an hour with her today – especially since we will get to share some tips that will help others. Check out the show here: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2117/moving-forward
Why Today’s Business Owners Need to Hear Jennifer Sabin and Robin Jay
Moving Forward is a relevant, real world current resource for today’s business owner, entrepreneur, and executive. There are simple core reasons why 75% of US small businesses fail in the first three years, why 70% of US women-owned businesses make less than 50K, why many mid-sized companies stagnate, and why multinational corporations are watching revenues and expansion of market share tighten.
The 21st century has introduced new norms and resources that are of immense value to businesses and their bottom line. Yet, in business we require relevance, not just more information. We need the true stories of what works and what does not work. Moving Forward delivers. It provides innovation and useful information with today’s resources. You’ll discover experiences, perspectives, and questions that make all the difference for growth, profitability, and value. Tune in every Wednesday at 10 AM Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel. And, if you have time today, be sure to tune in.
Jennifer’s international and highly acclaimed GMG Program Series Daring to Grow™ is an outstanding affordable program series based on proven foundational theory. It is a program, a process, a philosophy, and a platform. It is available now for all of us who want more and better in our lives and businesses, who are passionate, who want to achieve and accomplish and without unnecessary stress and debt. She is an incredible business coach and I’m delighted for you to know her. Check out her website at www.GMGGlobal.com.
Get Paid to Speak: ONE Day Boot Camp, Sat., 9/15/12
GET PAID TO SPEAK!
Discover the Secrets for Earning THOUSANDS Every Time You Speak!
As President of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, I constantly hear from motivational speakers who want to get listed with the bureau because they think more bureau listings will translate to MORE PAID SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS. I hate to tell them that getting listed with bureaus is such a SMALL part of becoming a paid speaker, but that is the truth!
What is the SECRET to Earning More from Speaking?
So, how is a speaker supposed to get more gigs so they can earn more money speaking? The answer lies in the information I’m going to share at my Millionaire Speakers Boot Camp, Sat., Sept. 15th, 2012, at the Hampton Inn on St. Rose Parkway at Spencer/Seven Hills Drive.
I was not much different from the speakers who contact me every week looking for more paid gigs … UNTIL I discovered this incredible information! This changed forever the way I approach speaking professionally. The first time I spoke after learning this incredible information, I earned $1695, speaking at a networking mixer for just 20 minutes – for what was a “non-paid” gig! I earned back the tuition fee the very first time I applied the science and psychology of speaking successfully.
Last month, I was hired to speak for one of the largest office equipment manufacturers – a day trip to Southern California. I was also, around the same time, asked if I would speak for free at a local non-profit’s monthly luncheon. I accepted that as well. I proved these techniques work: I earned TWICE AS MUCH at the “non-paid” gig than I did at the PAID speaking engagement! Now, you can, too. Discover how when you attend this incredible one-day intense – and incredibly amazing – seminar.
Discover the difference between being a GREAT speaker and becoming a PAID speaker. I am so sure you are going to LOVE what you learn that I am offering an UNCONDITIONAL Money-Back Guarantee! This is – without a doubt – the most exciting class you will EVER attend.
PLUS – Special Guest Speakers:
You'll get to meet Gloria Loring, Former Star of Days of Our Lives
Gloria Loring, former star of Days of Our Lives and mother of pop sensation Robin Thicke! Gloria will share ways you can take the DRAMA out of your life … how perfect!
Kathryn Peters-Brinkley, famed author, speaker, and spiritual life coach.
I love to present this material and will do so in the most entertaining, engaging fashion. Your jaw will drop once you understand what you’ve been missing. Visit my MSBC Web page to understand why you need to attend this boot camp!
If you have any questions about this, email me or call. If you’re ready to start earning THOUSANDS speaking – starting with your VERY NEXT GIG – then go to this page and sign up now. Seating is limited!
“Blog Like a Pro!” Mini Boot Camp – Sat. 7/14/12
Why You Need to “Blog Like a Pro!”
I’m excited to share that the “Blog Like a Pro!” mini boot camp has become so popular that we’ve had to change the venue! It will be held at the HAMPTON INN, 3245 St. Rose Parkway, Henderson, NV 89052. The boot camp will be an afternoon delight – just 3 fast hours that can change the way you do business! It’s from 1PM – 4PM, Saturday, July 14th, 2012.
Blogging is a part of a comprehensive marketing plan for your business
As an award-winning author, film producer, motivational speaker, and president of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, I’ve had to invest in understanding how to promote myself, my business, and my products. The very best way to do this is by blogging! But, it’s important to take the time to understand HOW to blog, how to use keywords, insert hyperlinks, why VIDEO is critical to your blogging success, and how all this comes together to help you create a cohesive marketing plan for yourself and your business.
Discover tips and techniques for blogging effectively so that you can improve your search engine ranking, and you’ll come away with outstanding insights on new ways to market yourself and your business.
Special Guest Speaker Phil Robertson will share marketing strategies and be on hand to answer your Website questions
Special Guest Speaker: Phil Robertson will present tips for marketing and blogging at the "Blog Like a Pro!" boot camp, Sat. 7/14/12, from 1 - 4PM at the Hampton Inn, St. Rose Pkwy in Henderson, NV.
Featuring: special guest speaker PHIL ROBERTSON!
Phil Robertson will share his expertise in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Technology, and Customer Relationship Management. His presentation is sure to have a strong and lasting impact on how you perceive marketing and technology. His presentations are drawn from both his experience in “Corporate America” as well as his numerous entrepreneurial startups. Phil uses relevant media examples – past and present – to illustrate what works and what doesn’t. His entertaining and engaging presentations are packed with solid information and takeaways that you will be able to implement at once.
Phil’s diverse background includes high profile clients in Government, Banking and Financial businesses, as well as the Entertainment and Media industries. He has an impeccable reputation for building and maintaining strong, solid client relationships. Phil says, “My goal is to always help my clients increase their own value as well as the value of their company. Today’s technology, security, and social strategies can be implemented immediately to produce and protect outstanding results.”
There are just 3 seats still available. If you’re interested in attending, contact Robin at RobinJay.com for details. $95 per person.
Get PAID to Speak! 7/28 & 7/29 in Las Vegas
Discover how YOU can earn THOUSANDS every time you speak!
Get PAID to Speak! 7/28 & 7/29 in Las Vegas
If you are a speaker or a coach, why not earn more money in a one hour speech than most earn in an entire month?
Waiting for Speakers Bureaus Looking for Motivational Speakers
This truly is the Best Kept Secret in our industry. Most speakers are out there waiting for a call to come in from a meeting planner or speakers bureau for a $1K, $5K, or $10K keynote. (Believe me – as President of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, I hear from seasoned speakers EVERY WEEK who are struggling to make ends meet! They hope that one special keynote will put them ahead of thousands of other speakers who are speaking on the same topic.) Why wait for this to happen when you can guarantee that you’ll make THOUSANDS of DOLLARS every time you speak – regardless of your topic!
What is the Secret to Earning Thousands as a PAID Speaker?
The secret to making $10,000.00 per speaking engagement does NOT lie in being an excellent and talented speaker. Go to almost any seminar and you will find speakers that make you laugh and cry, who will educate, stun, and amaze you all in one speech. They’ve got the looks, talent, and skills. But after they’ve finished speaking, they pray that they have enough gas money to make it home!
Talent is great and it is always important to sharpen and improve your presentation skills. But I have seen speakers earn well over $10,000.00 per speaking engagement for a presentation that was as dull as a butter knife and about as sharp as a marble. How do they DO IT?!
Discover How to Become a PAID Motivational Speaker
Are you ready to discover their secret? Now, you can – at the Millionaire Speakers Boot Camp. (Scroll down to see who will be our exciting GUEST speakers!) This boot camp is not about presentation skills. This is about how to earn THOUSANDS of dollars as a SPEAKER! It’s about how using Science & Psychology can guarantee that you will earn thousands every time you speak. (When I studied this method, I earned back my tuition THE VERY NEXT TIME I SPOKE! And, so did my friend who took this class with me. Want to find out what WE know?!)
I proved to myself again just how powerful these methods are. Last week, I spoke at a local business owners conference and sold more than $5,000 after just a 30-minute presentation. And, I did it by using the very techniques that I am going to share with you at my boot camp.
July 28th & 29th are ALMOST here! Don’t let this opportunity slip away. I don’t know when I’ll be able to present this material again; this is the only opportunity I have to present it for 2012.
Meet Special Guest Speaker Gloria Loring at the Millionaire Speakers Boot Camp
And don’t worry about a huge time commitment! I am not a fan of those endless, ALL WEEKEND LONG programs! My Millionaire Speakers Boot Camp is from 10AM – 5PM on Saturday and 10AM to 4PM on Sunday – leaving you plenty of time to shop, spend time with your family or friends, and enjoy a nice dinner at home. I want to help you Fast Forward to becoming a PAID SPEAKER!
Special Guest Speakers Gloria Loring & Kathryn Peters-Brinkley
Gloria Loring- from Days of Our Lives and mother of singing sensation Robin Thicke, and
Famed Author & Spiritual Life Coach Kathryn Peters-Brinkley
Kathryn Peters-Brinkley – Famed author, speaker, and spiritual life coach.
These incredible women will be on hand to share their expertise. Their segments will be entertaining and informative.
For more information or to sign up, just click here. If you only attend ONE EVENT all year, I guarantee you THIS is the one that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Hope to see you there.
Email me with any questions: Robin at RobinJay.com.