Etiquette morsels

Take it from those who have lunched and lived to tell about it. Nothing sinks success like a bowl of bad behavior. Here's a sampler plate of quick advice.

Pat Doody

Co-founder, Wongdoody

If your client's phone rings, you can twirl your pasta for 10 minutes while they take the call. But don't you do the same.

"Under no circumstance do I think you should answer your cellphone. Some see it differently — that people will see you as the busy executive. But I don't see how that flies if I'm a client."

Christy Miller

Seattle career coach

Keep the power dynamic in mind. Your guest is giving her time and knowledge. "The thing to do is be gracious, write a real thank-you note ... . Act like it mattered to you."

Otherwise, you're being a user. "And we just say no to users."

David Brewster

Founder, Town Hall

Find a place where you'll be treated like royalty. "It's part of the display of power." Time permitting, though, his favorite business-lunch spots are in the Pike Place Market. You want to be in an interesting environment in order to increase the chance of bonding. "It's trust building, an opportunity to talk about how the kids are doing, all these things that help to break down mere business."