One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year is to spend more time face to face with clients, prospects and other small businesses I can partner with. This is a perfect article if you’ve been thinking along the same lines. Here are some compelling reasons to have a lunch meeting with someone you want some alone time with to grow your business.

1. You’ll Control the Environment
Their office is their territory: their colleagues may interrupt you, or they may be distracted by calls or emails.
2. You’ll Be on Equal Footing
I hate going to someone’s office and sitting in front of their desk. They sit in the power position and wait for you to perform.
3. You’ll Have Captive time
Eating is an expected social experience and few people schedule a lunch for less than 60 to 90 minutes.
4. You’ll Create a Shared Experience
Create a memory that becomes the basis for your future relationship. Let it be an awesome experience you both recall with fondness.
5. You’ll Do Them a Favor
Pick up the check!!! It may seem obvious but many business people are inclined to split bills today. Going Dutch is not an option if you want to retain power.
via Lunch Meetings: 5 Reasons They Work.

I know you’re probably a social media maven but if you’re a small business, your face IS your business and it needs to get out of the office and actually look at other faces you want to do business with in person.
Go ahead, pick up that phone and make those lunch reservations, your business will be glad for it.
Need more chicken soup for your biz? Follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook or connect with me on LinkedIn –and let’s talk!

Related articles

• 5 Reasons to Schedule More Business Lunches (inc.com)
• Getting Personal: Is it Necessary for a Successful Online Presence? (suzemuse.com)
• Top Five Ways to Make a Successful Network (lifehack.org)