The Hot Breakfast Meeting

You either love it or hate it, the breakfast meeting. Mostly it comes down to whether or not you’re a morning person and how good the food is. We seriously can’t help you with the first part but we’ve totally got your back on the second.

Two words for you: Hot Breakfast.  And we’re not just saying that because it’s National Hot Breakfast Month. I mean, it’s also Responsible Pet Owners month, and nowhere here will you see a recipe for goldfish. That’s just how we roll…

Breakfast meetings can be a great way to energize a group and get a great deal of work done before the regular work day begins. But not if your group is lagging and barely functioning. What you’re saving in serving a breakfast meeting menu vs. what you’ll spend by having a nice lunch menu is moot if the group resents being there or just isn’t engaged.

And yes, you’ve heard before but only because it’s true: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It jump starts your metabolism, regulates your blood sugar and otherwise gets the blood going for the day. As an aside, if you’re trying to lose weight, you have a better shot if you eat breakfast than if you don’t. But don’t tell your guests that. They’ll just think you’re having a breakfast meeting because you think they’re fat. Maybe you do. But that’s none of our business.

Yes, you will save money by having a breakfast meeting instead of a lunch meeting. But when you are cutting into people’s sleep time or otherwise asking them to give up their personal time, you really need to show them that you respect their time and are giving something in return. A good hot breakfast is a strong signal to your group that they are valued and that their time and energy is respected.

Pastries and an assortment of cold cereals can be part of it– but you will stimulate more brain power through hot breakfast options. Crepes and waffles are always popular. Scrambled eggs, sausage and traditional breakfast entries generally serve well and keep meetings well fueled – and for a twist, serve traditional meals with a Mexican or other ethnic flare.

Coffee, both regular and decaf, is a must as are other hot beverages, including various types of teas. It may not be sexy but try having hot oatmeal on hand. Chances are good some of your managers are of a certain age where heart health is important – and frankly, it’s never too early to take preventative measures. The health benefits of oatmeal are such that a single serving per day can actually prevent some of the possible damage from bad cholesterol consumed throughout the rest of the day.

You might also serve elements from a traditional Japanese hot breakfast for your breakfast meeting. Steamed asparagus, sautéed tomato and mushrooms make a fresh alternative to more bready options and are a wonderful way to start the day.

While most people recognize that breakfast is important from a health perspective, they primarily eat it for enjoyment. If your breakfast meeting has hot food that is both delicious and healthful, your meeting is bound to be more productive.

Now go get your cat spayed if you haven’t already. Let it not be said we didn’t do anything for Responsible Pet Owners Month.