Remember not so long ago when it seemed endless business and career articles talked about how much important work could get done over the “power lunch.” Instead of long, drawn-out meetings, we were encouraged to use every spare moment and that meant our lunch hour to organize and take advantage of the “power lunch” to make pitches, negotiate sales and network. It has been a while since I have heard anyone talk about the “power lunch” and I know more people with home businesses who use lunch time to run to the grocery store or pick kids up from childcare than those who are having wheeling and dealing meetings.
I do still think that meals are a great way to do business, it just depends on how “power” or how “casual” your business operation is. There are plenty of home business owners who can get a great deal of work done during a play date in the park or can network at the monthly PTA meeting. It all comes down to matching your efforts to your industry and taking advantage of the social sphere that you move in. If you are expected to attend high powered meetings and “do lunch” then you will have to organize your schedule to accommodate the requirements of your business and market.
In order for a power lunch to work, you have to get the movers, shakers and decision makers all at the same table. It also involves plenty of preparation and negotiation in advance so that you have laid the groundwork for a productive conversation. By all means, just because you are a small home business owner, you do not have to avoid some of the techniques used by the “big guys” but you may also find that more casual approaches work just as well.