Lunch as a Marketing Tool

Satisfy your hunger for food and good conversation Robin Jay, author of The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2, was interviewed by The Record, which appears in Tuesday’s paper. Here are some of Jay’s quotes on using lunch as a marketing tool.

Meeting clients for lunch allows the “chance to form lasting relationships. It’s about making each person feel as though they’re the most important person in the world.”

“The way to make people feel special is by asking about what’s going on in their lives.”

“Take notes after lunch, so that you know what to ask on your next call.”

Jay also shares etiquette rules.

Pick up the person using your vehicle because “when you’re in the car together, there is no one else listening and people will open up more.”

“Never order food that is challenging to eat.”

“Always pay for lunch with a credit card, not cash.”

When was the last time you invite someone to lunch? It may be difficult for small and solo business owners to get out of the office to share a meal with clients or colleagues, but your business actually depends on the ability to interact with others.

I agree with Jay’s comments and add two more to make your lunch meeting a smart investment:

1. Write down the questions or ideas you wish to address beforehand to make sure those topics are discussed.

2. Find out what the person does on a social level (golf, movies, bridge, etc.). Comparing personal activities often helps you discover new opportunities for fun and business.

3. As lunch ends, ask your lunch companion how you can help unearth new business leads. You’ll no doubt be asked the same, so be ready with specific answers.

What type of ideas did you uncover at your last lunch?

Technorati Tags: Robin Jay, The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2, The Record, solo business owner, small business owner, small business marketing, networking

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March 22, 2006 | Filed Under Networking, Offline Ideas, Recent Entries

Comments

4 Responses to “Lunch as a Marketing Tool”

Flora Morris Brown on March 24th, 2006 12:01 am

At my last lunch I got a lead from a colleague to a great mortgage broker who has found an excellent refinance loan for me. Networking is wonderful.
Shirley George Frazier on March 24th, 2006 2:03 am

That’s a terrific example, and congratulations to you. That leaves you with more money for personal fun or professional endeavors.
WaltDe on September 1st, 2006 10:16 pm

Keep up the great work on your blog. Best wishes WaltDe
Shirley George Frazier on September 2nd, 2006 12:28 am

Thank you, WaltDe. I hope you’ll return to learn more marketing tips to help your business grow.