Lunch is the perfect way to get to know new friends and it doesn't cost alot, either.It is even better when more than one joins you. In fact, the more, the merrier.



Some have been known to work this into their lifestyle so well that they end up with a network meeting that just formed organically.

But, let's go back to the lunch with a new aquaintance first. Most all of us love to make new friends for various reasons, but we may not really know how

to go about it.

I SAY...LET'S EAT!

When you are blessed with a new person in your life that you just met and find that they are someone that you would like to get to know better, ask them to join you for lunch.

It is a wonderful solution to eating alone and by the end, you will both know so much more about one another that a new relationship is born. You may even find that you have many things in common or that you can help one another in one fashion or another.

At this point you may be thinking that you might get a little nervous or uneasy asking someone you don't know to lunch, but you have to be logical here. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. and, at the very least, if you find that you just don't get along, you had a nice lunch.

Never eat alone if you can help it. Always be on the lookout for someone to join you. Your network of friends will grow dramatically if each day you were searching for the next person to have lunch with that week. Your schedule may not allow for lunch out everyday, but doing this once or twice week shouldn't pose too many problems.

JUST ASK !

I like to keep things simple. All you have to do is say..." I don't like eating alone, I wondered if you would like to join me for lunch on Wednesday or Friday...I'd love to get to know you better" I think you will find that they will like the idea and if their schedule allows, they will say yes. If you asked people if they had enough good friends, they will tell you no. We can never have enough good friends.

Pick a place that is upbeat and close by and make it happen. Meanwhile, until that lunch, think about what you want to learn from that new friend. Ask about their family. Learn more about what they do for a living if you don't already know. What are their hobbies and favorite places to vacation? What would they change about their life if they could? What are their plans for the future?

NO HIDDEN AGENDAS

Just create a relationship. Don't break out your presentation book over lunch. Just enjoy the meal. No selling or hard networking needed here. If you see potential for business, let it come naturally...possibly at another time. For now, just enjoy the new friend in front of you. Relax and let the time pass without wanting anything or needing anything. Does everything always have to be about getting something? Whatever happened to the lost art of making friends because you just want more friends?

These days, people are in such a hurry to push and sell that they forget that people need warmth and friendship and true relationships. We don't want to go to lunch to be sold on something. Just let the lunch do what it is intended to do and you will find that you will make more lasting relationships than you ever imagined.

Maybe the next time you meet, you could both bring a friend and expand your friendship network. You don't need an agenda. Just lunch and friendly conversation will do the trick. There is time for a follow up call later if you feel that it is the right thing to do.

But I will offer this...if you take the time to truly let the relationship grow organically, you will find that you done what I consider to be a lost art. You gave without taking, but you gained more than you will ever know.

So, who will you ask to lunch this week?