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"I went to lunch last week at McCormick & Schmick's with a partner from a local accounting firm. As we entered the restaurant staff and maître d' all greeted him by name with smiles and affection -- the maître d' asked, "your usual table?", which turned out to be, of course, a prime spot in a prime restaurant. I was impressed!

Thinking back -- I used to be a frequent diner, with guest(s), at The Center Club in Costa Mesa. I was known by the staff who greeted me by name and stepped-up their attentiveness to my table. I can recall that my guests were impressed by the club and the attention.

Both situations demonstrate a basic rule about building personal brand; Anytime you can demonstrate that you are well known and liked you are elevated in standing.

A restaurant is a perfect place to make that happen. If you would like to experience this for yourself try this:

• Select a finer restaurant near your office where you enjoy the food and the ambiance
• Make a commitment to invest in eating lunch there at least once or twice a week
• Be wonderful and upbeat with the staff on every visit
• Have conversations with the staff and demonstrate an interest in their day
• Tip nicely (server and maître d') and offer compliments all around every time you visit
• Introduce your guest(s) to the staff

Do these things and it will not be too long before you are greeted like beloved family every time you visit "your" restaurant. Your lunch will be great and your guests will have new reason to respect whom you are."