This week I will be attending an important dinner with CEOs' of publicly listed companies in my state. Then the following week I will attend another dinner with high ranking officials from foreign governments (No one from Kenya) who are on a business tour in the US. In both instances, I put forward my name for consideration and I was selected. Soon after, I will also find out if I have been selected to join a group of lobbyist for a one week blitz at the
Capitol before they break off for summer. While I have been asked to dress appropriately, the success of both dinners depends on many factors other than the strict dress code and good table manners.
One thing I have learnt is that some of the biggest business deals were negotiated over a meal and then later sealed in a boardroom. A classic example is the purchase of YouTube by Google that was negotiated in a casual serve restaurant. With business dinners, they tend to be informal but also an important opportunity to discuss deals and should be carefully planned for in order to be successful.
Punctuality; Failure to keep time is a sure way to start a business dinner on the wrong footing. Plan to be at the venue well ahead of the agreed time. Arriving late because of bad traffic or not finding your way is a lame excuse.
Cell-phone; SWITCH OFF YOUR CELL PHONE. Unless you are Donald Trump, it is rude to answer phone calls during dinner. If need be, let people who would normally call you know that you will be out of reach. The same applies if you have Crack-Berry. Leave it in the car or at home.
The meal; Business dinners are not about food. Just because you are meeting in the best Chinese restaurant does not mean you can order a 3 lb lobster. You should order a simple to eat meal that will not keep you pre-occupied.
Wine/Alcohol; Just like it is with the meal, so should it be with the drinks. Avoid high content alcohols in order to maintain control of your mental faculties. Drinking water or fresh juice is acceptable.
Conversation; Keep your party engaged in conversation. Find common interests and talk about these. Don't talk with food in your mouth and also give the other party a chance not to do the same.
Desert; Only after you have ordered or finished your dessert should you start talking about business. By this time you should have connected with the other party and everyone is in a relaxed mood (except the buffoon who ordered a 32 oz steak). Over a cup of coffee or tea are the most important business discussions held.
Payment; Whoever invited the other party pays the tab. If you are the host, make sure you tip appropriately especially if the service and food was good. If you are not paying, don't forget to thank your host for the meal and their time.
Follow-up; If nothing was decided upon, make sure to let the other party know that you will be contacting them later. If there are any action/follow-up items, set a completion date.
The above are also applicable if you are attending a job interview dinner or a first date. The most important thing is to remember that you are not there to eat or drink, but to socialize or meet the other party.
Last month Nigerian films made a sweep at the African Movie Academy Awards. Incidentally, only one film from Kenya was nominated, Voice in the Bin for Best Film. 
