You know you should do it, other people do it all the time. Maybe you' ve already done it but it wasn't very satisfying, and you'd like to learn to do it better. I' m talking, of course, about having a business lunch. Don' t feel embarrassed if you are uncomfortable with the idea of sitting over a grilled chicken breast, talking to a prospective client. Most inexperienced, overeager launchers believe the main purpose of a business lunch is to either (a) conduct business or (b) eat lunch, and they' re unsure how to mix the two. Don' t worry! Business lunches aren' t about either business or lunch, they' re about building relationships. One of my business rules is 'People do business with people they like.' Often, it' s not products, prices, or the company that makes the sale—it' s the person. Business lunches are the perfect time for you and your client, supplier, or employee to get to know each other as people. This helps establish common interests and makes working together easier. The single most important thing you can do at a business lunch—even more important than picking up the tab—is listen. You don't need a particular reason to ask someone to lunch, so don't wait until for a certain occasion or issue. Don' t make it seem like lunch is going to be a sales call. Instead, try the straightforward approach. 'We' ve been doing business together for almost a year. I' d like to take you to lunch and get to know you a little better.' Or a little less straightforward, 'I' m often in your area, how about having lunch sometime?' Have the other person suggest a place to cat—'Is there a restaurant you've been wanting to try? Or if you have a limited budget, you choose a nice mid-priced restaurant. Forget MeDonald' s. If you' re thanking someone for an important order, take them to a really special, possibly new restaurant. If you did the inviting, you pick up the tab, even if your guest says, 'I can put this on my company' s credit card.' But don' t have a scene arguing over the cheek. You can just say, 'You can get the next one.' Some companies have policies that don't permit employees to be treated in that ease, split the tab. A business lunch can be viewed as successful if______.