Rise and shine! Sleepyheads may grumble, but there are many reasons why you should be holding your important meetings over breakfast. Breakfast meetings are productive and a good way to build camaraderie with your team and clients alike. And they have other advantages, too.
Because they take place early in the day, breakfast meetings are less likely to be delayed by another meeting running late or other unexpected circumstances.
They are time efficient. They rarely encroach on participants’ private time, which encourages attendance, and they usually finish within the allotted time, unlike lunch meetings.
They are both physically and emotionally nourishing, which creates a positive impression.
They are relatively economical compared to lunch or dinner, and avoid the complications that can arise with alcohol service.
Most importantly, participants are energized, relaxed and not distracted by the day’s problems, which means they are more focused and likely to get things done.
Tips for a Good Breakfast Meeting
Be prepared: Send invites at least a couple of weeks beforehand, giving participants time to put the meeting into their calendars, do any necessary research and get organized for it. Schedule it so that it’s early enough not to disrupt the day, but not so early that it’s unreasonable.
Be hydrated: Offer tea, coffee, water and/or other beverages throughout the meeting.
Be nourishing: Have tea and coffee ready for guests when they arrive so they can relax and network. Serve food as soon as is reasonable — attendees are likely to arrive hungry, and will focus better after eating. The menu doesn’t have to be the full bacon-and-eggs meal deal, but should be more than carb-heavy pastries; offer fruit and proteins and be sure to accommodate a range of dietary needs.
Be timely: Wrap it up on schedule so everyone can get on with their day.
Be focused: The meeting should have a focus with specific objectives. An agenda is essential; any off-agenda topics that arise during discussion can be scheduled for another meeting.
Be positive: A breakfast meeting sets the tone for the whole day. It should be motivational and energizing, with constructive workshops and inspiring speakers.
Five To Try
As Canada’s breakfast and brunch capital, Victoria has plenty of delicious places to start the day, including these five restaurants.
Elegant and serene, conveniently located right downtown, with gourmet breakfasts served as early as 7 a.m.
If you are out in Langford, this charming eatery is the place to go for hearty breakfast bowls and bennies.
For 40 years, Victorians have been happy to line up for the hearty comfort fare at this fun, funky local favourite.
Vegetable-forward dining in a James Bay heritage home with lots of handy, private gathering spaces.
A stylish new spot at the Inn at Laurel Point, perfect for very small meetings over coffee and pastries.
