Business BBQs Do’s and Taboos

Summertime barbecues are wonderful fun. It is a time to relax, enjoy fun-filled conversation and get back to nature! It won’t be long before you receive the invitation to the company or co-workers barbecue – by general E-mail letter or blast, E-vite, snail mail, text message or phone call. Here are the favorite five BBQ Do’s and Taboos!

1) Do respond within a few days of receiving the invitation. It is so easy to put the invitation aside and plan respond later….often the response happens after the requested date. When you receive an E-vite, it is very tempting to track the list of attendees before you respond….don’t do that.

2) Don’t talk business, unless absolutely necessary. Parties, picnics and barbecues are fun events; not exactly the right time to be talking about budgets, deadlines, clients, vendors and co-workers. Add to that list all negative topics: allergies, health issues, money troubles and the economy.

3) Do anticipate fun conversation. There are so many positive topics to choose from when you are getting together for a fun afternoon. Here are some ice breakers for conversation. How about those Phillies! Can you believe the Flyers? I can’t believe that the Eagles camp is starting this month. Or how about all the cultural aspects of Chester County! Now, the topics seem endless – arts, dining, jazz, entertainment, festivals, wineries and historical events. These are all great topics of conversation.

4) Don’t arrive too early or stay too late. The invitation always states the starting time. Arrive close to the starting time; within 15 or 20 minutes is appropriate. Never arrive earlier than the invited time. About the ending time; look for signals. Dessert has been served, eaten and ……it is probably a good time to consider your exit strategy. Extend your farewell to those you have been talking with and always give thanks to your host/hostess at the end of the event.

5) Do show a higher level of social skills by following up with a phone call the day after the barbecue expressing your gratitude. This is a thoughtful gesture that will surely please the host/hostess. If a call is not your style, a thank you note is also very acceptable and welcomed.

Enjoy your next barbecue by relaxing, enjoying great conversation and soaking up some sunshine!

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

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