Why aren't more meetings, walks?

I had a walking meeting today and found myself wondering: Why don't I do more meetings this way?

Given the choice between meeting someone for lunch, sitting across a conference table, or taking a walk outside, I'll take the walk.

I think better when I'm moving.

The conversation seems to flow more naturally. There are fewer distractions. Ideas come more easily. And for whatever reason, I usually leave a walking meeting feeling like we got somewhere.

Literally and figuratively.

Compare that to meeting over lunch. Half the time I'm not even hungry. I order something because that's what you do. I barely notice the food because we're talking. Then I leave having spent $20 or $30 and eaten a meal I probably didn't need.

A walk costs nothing.

And as a bonus, we both just got some exercise, fresh air and time outside.

I've even started taking some phone calls while walking. It's not quite the same as walking with someone, but I still find that I think more clearly and have better conversations than when I'm sitting at my desk staring at a screen.

Obviously, not every meeting can be a walk.

But a lot more of them probably could be.

Maybe we don't always need another conference room, coffee shop or lunch meeting.

Maybe we just need a good trail.

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I help entrepreneurial people think through what’s next in their work, business or ideas. If something here sparks an idea or conversation, I’d love to hear from you.