The Power of Drinks: Building Real Connections
Let me clear this up right away—this isn’t a post about alcohol. It’s a post about what happens around the glass.
Coffee. Bourbon. Club soda. Craft beer. Whatever’s in it, the real power of a drink isn’t the drink itself—it’s the conversation that unfolds when we take the time to slow down, sit across from someone, and just connect.
As leaders, we spend a lot of time in the grind. Meetings, deadlines, Zoom fatigue—it’s nonstop. But over the years, I’ve learned that some of the most important moments in my career didn’t happen in the boardroom. They happened at the bar. Or the coffee shop. Or at a dinner table where no one was checking their email.
There’s something about a shared drink—or better yet, a shared meal—that brings down the walls and reminds us we’re human first.
Beyond Business Cards
A drink can be the start of a relationship, the mending of one, or the celebration of a hard-fought win. It’s casual, yes. But it’s also strategic.
I’ve had more honest conversations about business over happy hour than I ever did in a formal sit-down. Why? Because it’s relaxed. People are more open. We’re not rushing to the next meeting—we’re in the moment. That’s where trust lives. That’s where ideas flow. That’s where partnerships form.
The same goes for meals. Breaking bread isn’t just about food—it’s about being present. It’s about listening more than talking. It’s about asking questions that go beyond “How’s Q3 looking?” and into “What are you excited about lately?” or “What’s been tough?”
Those conversations are the ones that move relationships forward—and often, businesses too.
Face-to-Face Still Wins
In our increasingly virtual world, there’s real magic in showing up. Don’t get me wrong—Zoom has its place. But you can’t replicate the impact of real eye contact, real laughter, and that moment when two people clink glasses and say, “Let’s do something cool together.”
It’s not about networking—it’s about connection. And connection builds loyalty.
At Eclipse Creative, some of our longest-standing partnerships didn’t come from RFPs. They came from real relationships. Conversations. Shared vision over shared meals. We value the work—but we value the people even more.
Making Time for Meaning
The truth is, we’re all busy. But making time for these moments—whether it’s a client dinner, a morning coffee, or a Friday beer with the team—isn’t fluff. It’s leadership.
It’s culture-building. It’s trust-building. And sometimes, it’s idea-sparking in ways that can’t happen over email.
So the next time someone asks if you’ve “got time to grab a drink,” don’t just think of it as a social break. Think of it as a business tool in disguise—one that opens doors, deepens trust, and makes all of us a little more human.
Here’s to Connection
Whether it’s a latte or a lager, I’ll raise a glass to the moments in between. That’s where real leadership lives—and where real relationships thrive.
Let me know: What’s one of the most meaningful conversations you’ve ever had over a drink or a meal? What came out of it?
Drop it in the comments or pass this along to someone who understands the power of a shared moment.