Even when dining with someone much wealthier who invited you, offering to pay is a key sign of respect. They will almost certainly decline, but the gesture reframes the interaction as one between equals rather than a hierarchical one.
When dining with a client or investor, let them set the tone. By waiting to order, you can match their lead on whether to get starters, the price point of entrees, and the overall length of the meal, demonstrating your social awareness.
Sending a scheduling link like Calendly can be perceived as disrespectful, especially when you are the junior party in a power dynamic. The proper etiquette is to ask for their availability and make it work on your end, showing respect for their time.
In high-stakes networking events, avoid a transactional, "one shot" mentality. Projecting the calm confidence of abundance, as if you have many opportunities, makes you more appealing and less intimidating than an overly eager, high-energy approach.
Successfully telling a joke, especially one that pushes boundaries slightly, is the ultimate demonstration of comfort and control in a social setting. However, it's a high-risk maneuver; a joke that falls flat can be disastrous. Use humor sparingly and with a strong read of the room.
If you forget someone's name, introduce your companion to them first. For example, say, "Jessica, I want to introduce you..." and gesture towards the person. This social cue prompts the other person to state their name, saving you from embarrassment.
The order of names in an email's "To" field carries a subtle social hierarchy. Placing someone first implies they are the primary intended recipient. Being listed fifth suggests you're less central to the conversation, influencing how much attention you pay.
Sam Lessin predicts massive losses for seed VCs backing companies branded as "AI businesses." These ventures are too capital-intensive and commoditizable to generate traditional venture returns, even if they become massive. AI should be a tool, not the business model itself.
Saying "nice to meet you" is risky if you've previously met someone, creating an embarrassing situation. The phrase "great to see you" works whether it's your first or fifth meeting, gracefully avoiding the potential awkwardness of forgetting a prior interaction.
Proper etiquette isn't just about politeness; it's a practical skill for managing stress and projecting calm confidence in high-stakes environments. This mindset helps you appear more trustworthy and approachable, preventing you from seeming desperate or transactional.
A well-fitting, inexpensive garment makes a better impression than a poorly fitting luxury item. Fit demonstrates attention to detail and social awareness, whereas an expensive, ill-fitting outfit can signal that you're trying too hard or are out of touch.
After an in-person meeting, don't just leave your used coffee cup on the table. Asking where you can put it is a simple but powerful gesture of respect and humility that shows you are aware of your surroundings and don't take service for granted.