We start off mostly alone until we find a partner, a team or… How to surround yourself ?
In 2012 I discovered the vast world of gastronomy without knowing anything or anyone. I forgot my natural shyness thanks to this devouring passion that accompanied me at every moment in an event or in a restaurant. Without knowing how to run a blog, I started writing articles, I borrowed and bought a camera to share my meetings with chefs or artisans that made me dream. I conducted interviews to understand their passion and vision of the sector.
I met people from various backgrounds with whom I have built relationships of camaraderie, work and even friendship over time. I couldn’t understand why “stars” or “experts” would spend time with a young blogger without a network or community.
These meetings remind me of memorable quotes :
« the brightest people are the humblest »
Guy Savoy
« we like what looks like us » Gilles Fumey
In 2013, I visited for the first time at SIRHA, a must-attend event for gastronomy. You can discover it at international competitions of cooking, pastry or baking worthy of the Olympics. We attend conferences on upcoming trends, brands and Houses useful to professionals are exposed and of course there is the «off» version for intimate. I will always remember the enthusiasm of Luc Dubanchet (founder of Omnivore) de Marie-Odile Fondeur (Head of GL events) de Nicolas Bergerault (founder and head of L’Atelier des Chefs) and Daniel Majonchi (one of the founders of Leaders Club France). This last one allowed me to win my first client whom I always have the pleasure of accompanying. There is also, of course, the unpleasant memory of a very (re)known chef who, with a flip of the hand, refused to take a few minutes to exchange. That I don’t forget either.
The meal is at the heart of events and professional relationships. My workshops target sales team, managers and entrepreneurs who want to empower their brand image and network. An idea for your next seminar ?
EMPOWERMENT : gain confidence thanks to gastronomy LEADERSHIP : use meals to better understand people & better work FRENCH CULTURE : enrich know-how throughout history & art.
How did I build a relationship of camaraderie, work or even friendship with time?
– I am really interested in people I meet. I question people before introducing myself unless I am asked to do it.
– I’m polite. It might be obvisous to be polite but it’s not. Politeness means thanking people who give us time to listen, advise or connect. The least we can do is to keep them informed of what the seed we planted together has done
Politeness is also about taking or give news providing useful or valuable information for my interlocutor
– I sometimes offer coffee or lunch when I pass through the area where my contact works
– I don’t claim to succeed in everything I do but I move forward working or relying on leaders : the best fuel ever.