We had a tough internal customer who we could not convince of anything. Whatever we proposed she disposed promptly. Most of our engagements were in formal meetings with her team surrounding her.
One day we tried a different tack. We decided to have lunch.
Outside.
At a restaurant with a cuisine we guessed she might like.
She talked. And ate. And talked some more. Opening up about all her frustrations.
A week later our proposal got approved.
Another few days and she proactively supported us in a big meeting helping us win more business.
The secret. One happy lunch together.
Lunch is a power networking solution. It’s a time taken off the regular cycle of work and now the endless cycle of phone and zoom/teams calls that have taken over our days.
Think of who’s support and help do you need to succeed and do well.
Have lunch with them.
Fix a time and invite them. You pay if you can and thank them for their time.
Focus on them and have a good conversation. Slip in your requirement or where you need help where you can.
Do it once a week to start.
Then increase the frequency if possible.
Cannot do it face to face ? Then do it via a zoom call. Both of you order in and go for it.