Last weekend, I was late to Samantha’s bistro far a burger cookout contest organized for Pulse Bloggers.
Notwithstanding, I was neither invited nor short listed, but it said Bloggers and Restaurant so, I couldn’t have been anywhere else.
Read: March 2018 Bloggers cookout @ Gourmet Grill, Ikoyi
Location:
2 Olawale Dawodu street, off Alfred Rewane, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Ambience
This bistro is a small restaurant tucked away in the heart of ikoyi. It has a classic look with simple decor, nothing pretentious. Inside had round three sitter tables while outdoor had four sitters and booster seats. People kept trooping in and out of the restaurant, it was quite busy.
We informed the waiters why we were there and they called on the coordinators on our behalf. I met the Bloggers manage at Pulse.ng and the restaurateur. We had a rich conversation and talked about blogging.
Taste / service
I was offered a drink and I went for hazel nuts and banana smoothie while my partner went with strawberry and banana smoothie. The smoothies were made fresh from natural fruits and ingredients. The service was quick and the wait staff were very knowledgeable about the menu and friendly.
These are my all time networking tips that has helped me bond with people I wouldn't talk to ordinarily and were also used to earn me a spot as a pulse blogger.
11 ways to network successfully
Grab a drink and a popcorn, it’s reveal time.
1. Drop your phones: as much as you may love to take a lot of pictures, pause when you meet someone. Say hello or just smile. It makes you more approachable.
2. Make eye contacts and smile: whenever you walk into a room no matter who greets you , look straight into his/her eyes and smile. It shows confidence and it’s quite compelling.
3. Speak boldly but politely: there is no magic like someone who is sure about themselves. So whenever you have something to say or a question to ask, don’t stutter or act shy. Be in control.
4. Be passionate: no one will find a need to create opportunities for someone who speaks about her craft with the wave of a hand. So when you talk about what you do, make sure you come alive and maintain an eye contact.
5. Everyone is valuable: Someone once said ‘even those with zero value have nuisance value’. Not saying you should be an opportunist, but always have in mind that everyone is important and you must listen, there is always something new to learn.
6. Be aware of your environment: look around and observe.
7. When someone speaks to you don’t answer with one word: when someone says ‘Uju , so what do you do’? Don’t just say “I’m a blogger”. Obviously, the person will ask what you blog about. So, why don’t you soften the atmosphere and go ahead to say “I’m a blogger, I blog about food, restaurants and I hand out a few tips” he/she might ask another question but try to converse like you already know him or her, it gives room for them to feel at home and open up.
8. Be interested in the other person: people want to be payed attention to, so as much as you might gush about your self, make sure you listen to whoever you meet and be interested, say things like ‘wow that’s impressive ‘ and ask questions as well.
9. It’s not ITK( I too know): if you are one of those who have multiple hustles and your new acquaintance mentions something you know something about or have done before, don’t be shy to show that you are in that field no matter how small your attempt was. It creates a common ground for more conversation.
10. Never ask for a favor: if it is offered why not, but don’t meet people who you feel are well placed and start asking for things directly. Most times, using all these rules above, they will offer it to you because, you have spoken confidently and passionately about your craft.
11. There is no such thing as talking too much: as long as you both are enjoying the conversation, fuel it, oil it but don’t go out of course or start speaking about things that are too personal.
Damage
Strawberry and banana smoothie- 2000
Hazelnut and banana smoothie- 2000
Round up
Overall, Samantha's bistro was a nice experience. Very warm staff and customers who seemed very familiar, like they visited very often.
Written by Restaurantcritic Ng
Restaurantcritic Ng is a food/ restaurant blogger. Reviewing the best restaurant and cafes all around Nigeria. Her opinions are honest and undiluted, although her criticism is constructive. She loves to share her experiences and point people in the direction to get value for their money. Instagram: @restaurantcritic_ng , email: Restaurantcriticng@gmail.com.