Hey there!
Are you struggling to come up with the perfect email to invite your colleagues or clients for a casual business lunch? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find some helpful examples that you can edit or use as-is to make your invitation stand out.
But first, let’s talk about why a casual business lunch is a great way to build relationships and grow your network. Unlike formal meetings or presentations, a casual business lunch allows you to connect on a personal level and discuss topics that might not come up in a more structured setting.
Plus, by inviting your colleagues or clients to lunch, you’re showing that you value their time and input – which can go a long way in building trust and strengthening your relationships.
Ready to get started? Check out the sample email invitations below and make them your own. Happy lunching!
The Perfect Structure for a Casual Business Lunch Invitation Email
Getting together over lunch can be a fantastic way to connect with colleagues, clients, and potential partners. But how do you craft the perfect email invitation that strikes the right tone and ensures a successful outcome for everyone involved? Here’s a structure that Tim Ferris would approve of:
Opening
Begin by addressing your recipient in a friendly and professional manner. If you have a pre-existing relationship, start with a warm greeting. If not, introduce yourself and explain your connection to the person. For example:
Hi John,
I hope this email finds you well. We met briefly last month at the networking event hosted by ABC Corp. I was impressed by your knowledge of the industry, and I’ve been meaning to follow up with you ever since.
Context
Next, provide some context for why you’re reaching out and why you think a lunch meeting would be beneficial. Be clear and specific about what you hope to achieve from the meeting, and how it fits into the bigger picture of your business goals. For example:
I wanted to touch base with you because our companies share many common interests, and I believe there may be opportunities for us to collaborate on some exciting projects. I would love to get your input on a few ideas that I have in mind, and hear more about your own vision for the industry.
Details
Now you can get into the nitty-gritty of the lunch invitation. Be sure to include all the relevant details, such as the date, time, and location of the meeting. If there is a specific venue you have in mind, mention it and provide directions if necessary. If you’re leaving the choice of location up to your guest, say so and suggest a few options. For example:
How about we meet at the Cafe Nouveau on Main Street? They have a great selection of healthy options and a relaxed atmosphere that I think will suit our conversation. How does next Thursday at noon work for you? If that doesn’t work, let me know and we can find another time that suits you better.
Closing
Finally, close your email with a courteous and upbeat message that leaves a positive impression. Thank your recipient for their time and express your enthusiasm for the upcoming meeting. If appropriate, suggest a next step or follow-up action. For example:
Thanks for considering my invitation, John. I’m really looking forward to catching up over lunch and seeing where our conversation takes us. If you have any specific topics or questions you’d like me to prepare for, don’t hesitate to let me know.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
There you have it. With this structure, you’ll be able to craft a casual business lunch invitation email that is professional, engaging, and effective. So why wait? Start reaching out to your colleagues, clients, and potential partners today and see where the power of lunch can take you.
Casual Business Lunch Invitation Email Samples
Inviting A New Client for a Lunch Meeting
Dear [Client Name],
I would like to invite you to a casual business lunch at [Restaurant Name] on [Date], at [Time]. This will be a great opportunity for us to discuss our new business relationship, get to know each other better and discuss any questions or concerns you may have about our services.
The location and time of the lunch was chosen with your convenience in mind and I’m confident that you’re going to enjoy it. Please let me know if you’re available on that day, and if any dietary restrictions or preferences exist. I will do my best to accommodate them.
I look forward to seeing you soon and building a strong relationship between our businesses.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Casual Lunch Invitation from Manager to Employees
Dear team,
As a small token of my appreciation for everything that you have done for our company, I would like to invite you for a casual business lunch. Our lunch is scheduled for [Date], at [Time], and it will be held at [Restaurant Name]. It is a great opportunity for us to relax, de-stress and talk about anything that is on our minds.
Please make every effort to attend the lunch, as it will be an enjoyable time for everyone involved. We look forward to seeing you there and hope that you can join us.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Inviting a Professional Contact for an Academic Information Lunch
Dear [Contact Name],
I would like to extend an invitation to you for a casual business lunch on [Date], at [Time], at [Restaurant Name]. This lunch will be a great occasion for us to catch up on academic information. As you know, I respect your knowledge and experience in the field, and I think it would be beneficial for both of us to discuss trends and topics related to our work.
Please let me know your availability and if there are any specific topics that you would like us to discuss during this meeting. Also, let me know if you have any dietary requirements. We will do our best to fulfill them.
I look forward to hearing from you soon and having an informative, enjoyable lunch.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Inviting a Venture Capitalist for a Business Pitch Lunch
Dear [VC’s Name],
I am pleased to extend an invitation to you for a business pitch lunch on [Date], at [Time], at [Restaurant Name]. As a venture capitalist, you would have a deep understanding of the potential of our business and I am confident that we would be able to engage in meaningful discussions about its future.
Please let me know your availability for this meeting and if there is anything specific that you would like us to discuss. I would also appreciate it if you could let me know if you have any specific dietary requirements.
Looking forward to hearing from you about your availability.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Inviting a Colleague for a Networking Lunch
Dear [Colleague’s Name],
I am excited to invite you for a casual business lunch on [Date], at [Time], at [Restaurant Name]. As fellow colleagues, I feel that it is important for us to get to know each other better as it would help us to work more effectively as a team.
This lunch would provide an opportunity for us to catch up on our projects, and discuss our mutual interests. If there are any specific topics that you would like us to discuss, please let me know. If you have any dietary requirements, please let me know and I’ll make sure they are met.
Please let me know if you are available for the said time and date.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Inviting a Partner for a New Project Launch
Dear [Partner’s Name],
I am writing to invite you for a casual business lunch on [Date], at [Time], at [Restaurant Name]. This lunch would be a fantastic opportunity for us to launch our new project officially. It’s important to have a friendly atmosphere for such talks, and I believe that we can get a lot accomplished while enjoying good food together.
Please let me know your availability for this lunch and if you have any dietary preferences. I would also appreciate it if you could let me know if there are any specific topics that you would like us to discuss.
Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.
Kind Regards,
[Your Name]
Inviting a Sales Representative for a Product Presentation Lunch
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing to invite you for a casual business lunch on [Date], at [Time], at [Restaurant Name]. This meeting is essential in that we would like to discuss how to present our product better and understand its features thoroughly.
Please let me know your availability and if you have any specific dietary preferences. We look forward to hearing back from you soon, and to have an exciting and productive discussion surrounding our product.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Related Tips for Writing a Casual Business Lunch Invitation Email Sample
When writing a casual business lunch invitation email, there are several important things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help your email stand out and make a positive impression:
- Keep it simple: Your invitation should be straightforward and easy to read. Avoid using overly formal language or lengthy explanations.
- Be clear about your purpose: Let the recipient know why you’re requesting a lunch meeting and what you hope to accomplish. This will help them better prepare and set expectations.
- Make it personal: Address the recipient by name and use a conversational tone. This will help build rapport and make the invitation feel more genuine.
- Provide options: Offer a few possible dates and times for the meeting so the recipient can choose the one that works best for their schedule.
- Follow up: If you don’t hear back from the recipient within a few days, send a brief follow-up email to make sure they received your invitation and ask if they’re still interested in meeting.
By following these tips, you can increase the chances that your casual business lunch invitation email will be well received and lead to a productive and enjoyable networking opportunity.
Casual Business Lunch Invitation Email Sample FAQs
What should I include in my casual business lunch invitation email?
Your email should include the date, time, location, and purpose of the lunch meeting. Don’t forget to include a friendly message inviting the recipient to join you.
What is an appropriate time to schedule a casual business lunch meeting?
Typically, lunch hours between 12 pm and 2 pm are the most popular times for business meetings. However, it depends on the availability of the recipient and your schedule.
How long should a casual business lunch meeting last?
A casual business lunch meeting should not last more than one hour. Keep in mind that you and the recipient both have other commitments and schedules to attend to.
What should I wear to a casual business lunch meeting?
Your attire should be professional, comfortable, and appropriate for the occasion. Men can wear a collared shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes, while women can wear a dress, pantsuit, or blouse and skirt.
What is the etiquette for paying for a casual business lunch meeting?
Traditionally, the person who initiated the meeting pays for the lunch. However, it is also acceptable to split the bill, or the recipient can offer to pay as a gesture of thanks.
Can I bring a colleague along to a casual business lunch meeting?
If it’s a group lunch meeting, then it’s acceptable to bring colleagues along. However, if it’s an informal one-on-one meeting, then it’s better to check with the recipient before inviting someone else.
What should I do if the recipient declines my casual business lunch invitation?
It’s important to respect the recipient’s decision and respond graciously. You can ask if there is a better time or location that works for them in the future.
How many days in advance should I send a casual business lunch invitation email?
A week in advance is a good time frame to send a casual business lunch invitation email. However, it also depends on the recipient’s availability and schedule.
What should I do if I need to cancel a casual business lunch meeting?
Notify the recipient as soon as possible and offer a sincere apology. Try to reschedule the meeting at a later time and date.
That’s a Wrap!
Thanks for reading our sample casual business lunch invitation email! Remember, keeping it casual doesn’t mean you can’t still make a great impression in the business world. We hope our sample email was helpful to you, and we encourage you to come back and visit us again in the future for more tips and advice. Until then, happy lunching!