Member Article

Deal, or no deal?

Hospitality expert Bob Walton MBE expalins how a dining table seating plan can clinch a business deal.

When you take your seat at a table, do you automatically opt for the seat next to someone you know, the head of the table, or the seat opposite a mirror? Did you know that your position at a table can speak volumes about your personality your professional status, and, according to Robert Walton, founder of London’s latest business networking initiative, can even affect a deal or no deal?

Bob Walton MBE, one of the best know faces in hospitality, has become a master of the language of seating, turning it into an art form, for his new venture the Nth Degree Club – a new private dining and networking concept aiming to bring senior professionals together in order to drive top level business relationships.

“The ‘language of seating’ is relatively unheard of but is incredibly powerful, Bob explains, “Placing executives in a way that encourages relationship building can lead to tangible results.”

Walton goes on to explain his top five do’s and don’ts when it comes to seating business professionals around a table.

• Opposites don’t necessarily attract at the dining table. In fact, this positioning can result in confrontation, which is interesting given that this is the way most people will sit given the choice. Make sure the table is wide enough to encourage guests to talk to those next to them rather than across the table.
• “If possible, choose a round table as this creates the most ideal situation for breeding trust and cooperation. It also tends to encourage equal contributions from guests.
• “The host must always seat him or herself facing the door in order to monitor all the comings and goings of the guests and staff. If this isn’t possible, make sure you can see the doorway from a mirror.
• “It’s important to space seats out your table according to its size. No one will be comfortable if their personal space is invaded! If people want to get closer, they can but it needs to done on their terms and in their own time.
• Remember that those who are at the top of their tree professionally may not necessarily shine in a social setting. Don’t be afraid to change tack at the last minute and move guests around from your original seating plan.

Bob firmly believe that people buy from people and putting them into an environment where they can network with a like minded audience has powerful potential. ‘Facilitating the networking process by bringing guests together around a fine dining table will establish mutual ground and encourage conversation flow’ he said. ‘But planning the layout of the table, through matchmaking and strategic placement can make the difference between a deal or no deal.’

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Walton MBE .