I’ve digested plenty of food meetings with hungry clients. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Breakfast Meeting: Be prepared to discuss the future; where you’re headed, your dreams & goals, how you plan to get there and how long you think it will take.
What to order: Big breakfast! Grand Slam! Ask for a pot of coffee! This is going to go longer than you think.
Lunch Meeting: Be prepared to discuss the present; where you’re at right now, what projects you’re working on right now, what challenges you’re facing right now.
What to order: Light salad. This is going to go shorter than you think.
Dinner meeting: Be prepared to discuss the past; who you are, where you’ve been, how you got here, why you matter.
What to order: Start with an appetizer, then move slowly up the Smörgåsbord. This is going to go late.
Starbucks Meeting: Be prepared to just skim the surface with a variety of topics. The distractions are high and the attention span is low.
What to order: Something tall and tasty. This is going to be social.
Bottled Water Meeting: The most productive of all. Be prepared to get to the point and get back to work.
Bon Appétit!