One-minute career therapist

Reserve the best for clients

By Karen Salmansohn | Special to amNewYork

February 19, 2007

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The best way to do great business is to merge it with great pleasure. So choosing a restaurant for a business meeting shouldn't be taken lightly.

Here, Peg Samuel, president of Social Diva, an online event marketing and promotions company, offers tips for how to find the ideal dining venue for that all-important client.

1. Before the meal, find out through casual conversation if your client has any favorite restaurants.

2. If your client isn't a foodie, make sure you are. Read restaurant reviews as often as you read your business trades. Then taste-test interesting restaurants regularly.

3. Make friends with the hostess and general manager so you have a better chance of snagging a last-minute reservation if ever needed.

4. When making a reservation, explain you'll be on a business meeting. Ask for a table that's not too crowded or loud. You'll need to clearly hear your client or you could miss important information.

5. If your ideal restaurant is full, try to persuade the hostess with a creative story. Plead boss insanity: Explain you forgot to make the reservation and your boss will kill you if you don't get a table. The restaurant might be sympathetic -- or entertained -- enough to help you out.

6. If you are not already a member of a private club, explore becoming one. Three hot spots: Soho House, Core Club, Princeton Club. Your membership will always secure a last-minute reservation.

7. Always take your client's lead with alcohol. Say something casual like, "Wow, a mojito sounds tasty." From their response, you'll be able to get a sense whether you should order one.

Have career questions for Karen's next column? Write karen@notsalmon.com.

Karen Salmansohn is a turnaround coach, a best-selling author and a seminar speaker. Her newest book is "Gut: How to Think From Your Middle to Get to the Top." For additional career advice, visit www.notsalmon.com.