By Drew Davidson
Take a moment and remember some of your mother’s words of wisdom – mind your manners.
Then, take a look inside restaurants across the city and see that many people are suffering from a memory lapse.
There are elbows on the table, endless cell phone calls, unused napkins, and knives and forks held as though the holder is ready to defend themselves at the first sign of attack.
And, in many cases, these weapons are pointed at a potential client.
Business is often called a cut-throat world. No one meant it literally.
When business enters the dining room, those sitting at the table must learn to leave their swashbuckling manners at the door – or else risk losing a prospective deal.
Some people seem to think the rules their parents taught them at the kitchen table are insignificant compared with their credentials. But, think about it.
Would you want to do business with someone who holds a knife like Blackbeard in an Armani suit?
Suzanne Nourse is someone who does. As the founder of the Protocol School of Ottawa, she takes on the challenge of refining the business world through a series of etiquette courses.
Nourse says the way people conduct themselves at the table says a lot to clients about how they conduct themselves in business.
For example, if they don’t know to use a napkin, their client may start wondering what else they don’t know.
Tim Barton, executive chef at Hy’s Steakhouse on Queen Street, is a man who knows etiquette. Not only is he used to providing formal meals in the restaurant’s dining room, he can also make the ultimate in first impressions by pulling out one of Hy’s leatherback chairs and gesturing for you to sit down.
He says having proper etiquette is crucial among clientele that includes top politicians and business leaders.
Barton says it is expected among the restaurant staff and feels this is what keeps patrons coming back. And, he says this same etiquette is expected at the tables.
He says once a couple demanded the ejection of another patron because he was wearing jeans and a baseball cap. Although Barton says the restaurant has no official dress code, the couple was not impressed. Because the man was a regular customer, he was allowed to stay.
Thus, whether it’s Hy’s or Denny’s (the restaurant where Google and YouTube made their $1.65-billion deal), manners can give you an edge the over competition.
After all, the business world may be ruthless but clients will appreciate it if you bring a bit of class to the table.
Remember, Blackbeard wasn’t very popular when he was waving knives in people’s faces in the 18th century. You’re not going to be popular if you do it today.