The Social Side Of American Business
If I'm invited to the home of a business associate, should I bring a gift?
If you are invited to anyone's home, whether business associate or not, you should take a thoughtful gift. Spin some truffles and put them in a pretty bag. Bring something that is very simple such as a green plant. It is not a good idea to bring flowers, because she's already got her own flowers, or he already has his own flowers for the party, but bring something personal, that won't be shared at the party, unless you are asked to bring a bottle of wine. Even so you still are required to bring some token or little gift of some kind, special, if invited to a business associate's home.
What are inappropriate hostess gifts for business associates?
An inappropriate hostess gift for business associates is something where you have to be very careful because again. We're in a very sensitive ethnic world, so you wouldn't want to offend anyone. But usually, small edible gifts are appropriate. You don't need to bring a CD unless you know that they love a particular musical artist, but a small food gift is always appropriate. Giving liquor is not really an appropriate hostess gift for business associates, as some companies frown upon that.
If I am asked to bring wine to a business associate's home, how much should I spend?
If you are asked to bring wine to a business associates home, I'd say fifteen dollars is plenty to spend on a bottle of wine. Indeed there's some great California wines that are very affordable.
What is proper buffet line etiquette at a business-related social event?
The buffet line itself is a great way to meet people, so consider going back through that line at least twice. Don't put much on your plate, we want you to go back more than once to this buffet line. And don't eat in the buffet line and don't pop things in your mouth while you're standing in the buffet line, wait until you're finished.
