{"id":902,"date":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","date_gmt":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tloishappening.com\/?p=902"},"modified":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","modified_gmt":"2015-06-22T15:45:02","slug":"big-lunch-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turnlightson.com\/2015\/06\/big-lunch-2\/","title":{"rendered":"A Small Lunch with BIG Results"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yesterday it finally happened, we had our Big Lunch<\/a>\u00a0after weeks of spreading the news and thinking about it we made it happen! \u00a0Debbie was my\u00a0organising partner in The Big Lunch\u00a0and is also the owner of The Deck<\/a>– A wonderful place for tea and cake in Cardiff! \u00a0We\u00a0were both really pleased we made it happen. This is a blog to tell you what our journey has been like and also to give you some tips on what we feel would have helped us and what we are going to do in the future.<\/p>\n

On the whole I have loved the experience and also been a tiny bit nervous about it from time to time as I mentioned\u00a0in my last blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Did you know\u00a0that 86% of the UK workforce is disengaged at work? \u00a0That a lack of social interaction is as harmful of smoking 15 cigarettes a day? \u00a0As\u00a0the leader of Turn Lights On I naturally had to get involved with The Big Lunch as it’s right up our street! \u00a0We (TLO)\u00a0are a movement and a practice that tackles these issues by promoting human connection and supporting people to enjoy the here and now.<\/p>\n

Some of The locals having a blast:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

So Here Are Our Findings And Tips…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t\u00a0Be A Hero\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debbie and I are very busy people, both business owners, other projects on the go and families. \u00a0On reflection I think we needed to have more people involved in helping us arrange things. \u00a0There were times when I would have a busy day and think \u201cOh no! I haven\u2019t knocked on doors\u201d and have a feeling of letting the team down. \u00a0I reckon\u00a0that if you are going to do a big lunch you should start by approaching some neighbours with the idea and ask if they want to help you to make it happen. \u00a0Two people driving it\u00a0is probably possible but\u00a0it’ll be way easier if there’s more of you on the team making it happen. \u00a0Together we are stronger!<\/p>\n

Give yourself plenty of time <\/strong><\/p>\n

Give people lots of notice then check in with them. \u00a0I think a month before is good however I suppose everyone is different. I spoke to people about a month before the lunch and they seemed really keen however I didn\u2019t get to remind them and they didn\u2019t come. I think finding a way to get lots of engagement would help.<\/p>\n

Check the calendar <\/strong><\/p>\n

In our wisdom we organised our Big Lunch\u00a0on Fathers Day! \u00a0Great for people who didn\u2019t have plans. Our planning did mean that some people really wanted to come but couldn\u2019t due to Dad commitments.<\/p>\n

Network <\/strong><\/p>\n

When I was knocking doors I was speaking to lots of people saying\u2026Do you know anyone on the street you could ask? Asking Children if they play with other children on the street so they can ask a friend. \u00a0You don’t have to be\u00a0the only way\u00a0people find out!<\/p>\n

Be Clear <\/strong><\/p>\n

When you mention about the big lunch at first people go through a process, first they think you are selling something and naturally guarded. \u00a0Then have a few minutes to get into rapport and build trust,\u00a0making sure\u00a0I showed my neighbors\u00a0where I lived, my name and why I was organising the lunch. \u00a0My script easy:<\/p>\n