Networking events are a staple for business professionals looking to expand their connections, grow their businesses, and uncover new opportunities. But while structured events like mixers, workshops, and industry panels offer great opportunities to meet new people, there’s something uniquely powerful about sitting down for a meal with fellow networkers.
Sharing a meal creates a different kind of connection, one that goes beyond business cards and elevator pitches, allowing for genuine conversations and deeper relationships.
If you’ve never considered the value of combining networking with a meal, here’s why you should:
1. Meals Create a Relaxed, Natural Environment
Business networking events often have a certain formality , the kind that comes with name tags, introductions, and business card exchanges. While these events have their place, they can sometimes feel stiff or transactional.
Sitting down for a meal, however, naturally breaks down barriers. A meal setting is inherently more relaxed and social. Conversations flow more freely over a shared appetizer or main course. People feel more comfortable in a casual setting, which encourages authentic conversation. You’re no longer “networking” in the traditional sense, you’re simply connecting with other professionals on a human level.
Sharing food also triggers a sense of community and trust. There’s a reason why meals have been central to bonding throughout human history. When you’re sitting across the table from someone and enjoying a meal together, it’s easier to let your guard down and have a real conversation about life, business, and everything in between.
2. It Fosters Deeper, More Meaningful Connections
Networking events are often fast-paced. You might spend five minutes chatting with someone before moving on to the next person, barely scratching the surface of who they are and what they do. Meals, on the other hand, give you time.
When you sit down for lunch or dinner with a small group of fellow networkers, you have the opportunity to explore conversations in more depth. You can learn about each person’s business, their challenges, their successes, and their goals. This creates the foundation for a more meaningful relationship, one based not just on business potential but on understanding and mutual support.
It’s during these longer conversations that you discover where real synergies exist. Maybe the person across from you has a resource you’ve been looking for, or perhaps you uncover a mutual connection that opens the door to a new opportunity. Meals create space for these discoveries in a way that quick exchanges at a cocktail hour simply can’t.
3. It Encourages Reciprocity and Generosity
There’s something about breaking bread with someone that fosters a sense of generosity. When you’ve shared a meal with someone, you’re more likely to want to help them succeed.
Conversations at the table often lead to the exchange of helpful insights, resources, and introductions. People naturally want to reciprocate when they feel connected and supported. The relaxed setting of a meal encourages this kind of give-and-take. Instead of thinking about what they can get from a connection, people become more focused on how they can help, and that’s where the real magic of networking happens.
4. You’ll Be More Memorable
It’s easy to forget someone you chatted with for five minutes at a crowded networking event. But you’re far less likely to forget the person you sat next to at dinner, shared a laugh with over dessert, or had a meaningful conversation with about life and business.
Meals create a lasting impression. The informal nature of a meal means you’re not just talking about business, you’re sharing stories, experiences, and maybe even a few personal details. This human element makes you more memorable. People remember the person who told a funny story about their dog or the one who gave great advice about a tricky client situation. These personal touches stick with people long after the meal ends.
5. It Opens the Door for Ongoing Conversations
A meal is rarely a one-and-done event. When you’ve connected with someone over a meal, follow-up becomes more natural. You can reference the conversation you had (“I loved what you said about client retention. Would you be open to a quick coffee next week to dive deeper?”) or even suggest another meal to continue the discussion.
The relaxed nature of a meal builds momentum. You’ve already established rapport, so continuing the conversation, whether over email, Zoom, or another meal, feels natural rather than forced. This creates the foundation for long-term professional relationships.
Tips for Making the Most of Networking Meals
If you’re ready to incorporate meals into your networking strategy, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Keep the group small – Meals are most effective for networking when they involve 4–8 people. This allows for meaningful conversation without feeling overwhelming.
- Mix it up – Invite people from different industries or backgrounds. Cross-industry conversations often spark unexpected opportunities.
- Be intentional but relaxed – Have a general goal for the meal (e.g., learning about someone’s business), but don’t force the conversation. Let it flow naturally.
- Follow up – A quick email or LinkedIn message afterward keeps the momentum going and shows that you valued the time together.
Conclusion
Sharing a meal with fellow networkers is about more than just food, it’s about creating meaningful connections in a relaxed and authentic environment.
Business may start with a handshake, but it deepens over a shared meal. Next time you’re looking to grow your network, consider swapping the crowded cocktail hour for a quiet lunch or dinner. You might be surprised at the lasting relationships, and business opportunities that unfold when you take the time to sit down, share a meal, and truly connect.