You don’t eat your lunch alone, do you?

Americans have a terrible habit of rushing through meals, eating in front of the television or at a desk, or even worse, while driving their cars. Not only are we losing out on the enjoyment of a meal, but we also miss the social aspects of dining with others. When I began working with international tourism businesses, it was an adjustment for me to realize a meal can be a long experience and a wonderful way to connect with others. Business is not conducted; friendships are established.  Enjoying meals together tends to relax people and conversation flows when people can find subjects in common.

 

Never Eat Alone – the Book

I just finished reading a great book – Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi. In it, he writes about the importance of establishing relationships in order to be successful in your chosen career. Knowing all different types of people expands your network beyond those you work with. If you are a small business owner like me, we often feel we don’t have the time to have lunches with others, but those meals are an opportunity to find new connections.  It’s never about what others can do for us however, it’s more important to listen to others and see how you can help them advance their causes, or find them some new business connections.

When you work with others

I have always been a big believer in eating lunch away from your desk. Not only does the break make you more productive, but you have a great opportunity to eat with your co-workers or staff. I always liked eating with front line staff because you get to learn something about them that helps create stronger bonds. They are a bit shy at first, but I have found that over time they see you in a different light and you learn their back story a bit more.

If you work at a DMO, can you have a monthly lunch and invite some partners? Or if you work at an attraction, can you invite some other attraction staff over for lunch once a quarter? The stronger your network is, the better off you are, both personally and professionally. And having lunch with others is a great way to build your network.

 

Are you home alone?

Those of us that work from home have to work a bit harder to find lunch companions, but it is even more important to get out of your home office on a regular basis. Days with lunch meetings allow me to put on jewelry and good shoes, which is reason enough! But do you have to travel far and wide to find a lunch date? No, you don’t. Technology such as Zoom or Facetime will allow you to see others and have a virtual lunch date.

In fact, I am friends with a woman in the tourism industry in Uruguay and we have a virtual lunch once a week. It’s so interesting to hear about her business and we can offer each other advice as we eat our meals.

When you are on the road

When attending conferences, it’s tempting to skip an evening function and order room service. It has been a long day and it would seem luxurious to put your feet up, catch up on work and watch TV. Don’t do it! Those evening functions are actually where all the business is done. I have met more business colleagues standing in long buffet lines than on trade show floors.  In these settings, people usually have nametags on which is helpful in remembering names. The goal is not to see who can collect the most business cards however; it is to begin establishing a relationship and to find enough in common that you can follow up soon after the conference.

Another tip: when at conventions sit with new people at the meals, not people you have known for years. It forces you out of your comfort zone, but you will end up with new contacts- and maybe a new friend.

 

Make a Plan for this week