What Should You Talk About at a Business Dinner?

Business dinners should never be entirely about business, but nor should you stray into the overly-personal. You need to combine the serious chat with plenty of small talk, because business dinners are as much about getting to know one another as they are about moving closer to a deal. In some cases, it's even worth avoiding business altogether.

The first thing to remember is to pace yourself on the drinks front, so the chat doesn't become too free and easy. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you don't get ahead of the other party. Alcohol can help you relax, but it can also inspire a little too much of laid back approach!

Small talk is a great way to break the ice, and it helps you both get to know each other. Asking about family and outside interests should definitely be on the cards, alongside career history and why they enjoy what they do. Always avoid sensitive subjects – politics and religion are definitely not subjects to get into a debate about.

If you do need to talk business, it's best to get the main course out the way first. That means you're less likely to be disturbed by the waiting staff or have the awkward dilemma of one of you having a mouth full.

Business dinners should be a perfect balance of personal and professional. You need to judge the situation and how the other party is feeling. Some people will want to talk business, others will want to put it to one side altogether and just get to know you.