Internal Networking: Grab Lunch

Lunch can be a good alternatively to grabbing coffee if you want some time to get to know a colleague. After all, everyone needs lunch (even if the norm is eating at your desk). Scheduling lunch can be a good way to get to know your peers (particularly if you or they work flexibly).

Know what you want.

Before you contact someone, make sure you know exactly what you’re trying to get out of your meeting with them.

If your answer is “I don’t know . . .” then spend more time thinking about what you’re attempting to achieve, as well as why/how this particular individual help you. Work out your goal, then ask to meet.

If you are simply wanting to get to know them better. Say this. D

If you have particular things you want to find out think about the questions you are going to ask them (or specific things that you want to tell them).

Make it easy to say yes.

We’re all busy. If you want someone to agree to lunch with you in their packed calendar you need to (1) make it easy to do so (2) pick the right incentive and (3) consider the best time to make the approach before you do so.

Be clear about what you want (if it just to get to know them better – say this), make a suggestion of where and when. Take the initiative to provide a time, date, and location. Suggest one to three days that work for you, and keep the meeting brief. As this person is an internal contact, you are likely to have access to their calendar or their PA so do your groundwork before making a suggestion. Make it as easy as possible for them to say yes.

If they say yes, send them a calendar invite and make it clear what the plan is.B

Keep the Appointment

If you are going to be late – cancel or agree a rescheduled time. It is better to give that person their time back, even on short notice, than to waste it completely. However, you should be prioritising your day so that you shouldn’t be late – only cancel if you really have to.o