Networking By Accident: How Cigar Lounges Became My Secret Weapon
Posted by Gregory, a 51-Year-Old Cigar Enthusiast on 7th Oct 2024
I’ve spent decades chasing opportunities—sometimes killing myself over them. The funny thing is, the best ones snuck up on me when I wasn’t even looking—sitting in a cigar lounge with a hand-rolled cigar in one hand and zero expectations. That’s the beauty of these places. You walk in for a premium cigar to unwind, and somehow walk out with a solid business contact or, better yet, a new friend.
Forget the Elevator Pitch. Just Light Up.
Cigar lounges are a different breed. It’s not like your typical networking event where everyone’s pretending to be more successful than they are. Here, nobody cares about your resume. The minute you light up a good handmade cigar, you’re one of the crew. I can’t tell you how many conversations kicked off because someone asked, “Hey, is that a Viaje cigar?” That’s how it starts—no pressure, no pretense—just people connecting over a shared passion.
We bond over boutique cigars and swap stories about the latest small-batch cigars like some folks talk sports scores. The vibe is authentic because you’re not selling anything; you’re just being real. A lot of these conversations kick off with talk about where to score cigars online or which five packs are worth trying. Before you know it, you’re deep in a genuine discussion, not some elevator pitch nonsense.
Real Relationships That Stick
I’ve been around long enough to know real from fake, and the friendships you build in a cigar lounge are the real deal. I’ve met everyone from CEOs to retired truck drivers. It doesn’t matter—what matters is what you bring to the table (or the ashtray). You start talking about the complexity of a Black Label Trading Company blend, or how hard it is to get your hands on certain Emilio cigars, and suddenly you’ve got a conversation worth having.
People remember you when you’re not trying to hustle them. You’re just the guy who shared a few small samplers or split a 1502 cigar five-pack because, hey, why not? Some of my closest friendships started that way—just two strangers talking about their favorite sticks. Next thing you know, you’re trading industry tips or even business ideas.
How to Work the Lounge Like a Pro
- Lose the Agenda: Don’t show up looking for a new gig or a client. Show up because you love the scene, and let the rest happen naturally.
- Be a Giver, Not a Taker: You want to impress someone? Offer up one of your top premium tobacco cigars. Bring a couple of five packs to share, or a hard-to-find Viaje cigar. It’s amazing how far a good stick can go in breaking the ice.
- Talk Shop Without the Pressure: The easiest way to start a conversation? Ask what they’re smoking. Whether it’s a 1502 cigar or a blend from Black Label Trading Company, everyone’s got a story.
Why Cigar Lounges Are the Best Networking Hubs
The secret? People slow down. Smoking a premium cigar takes time. You can’t rush it, which means you can’t rush the conversation either. It’s like hitting pause on the chaos of life for an hour. So, the next time you’re at the lounge, trying out a new Emilio cigar or testing a fresh batch of small batch cigars, don’t be surprised if the guy next to you turns into a real connection—maybe even a business partner.
That’s how it goes in cigar lounges. You walk in looking for a good smoke, and sometimes, you walk out with something a hell of a lot better. Because at the end of the day, a hand-rolled cigar might just be the best damn conversation starter out there. And who knows? That shared stick might just be the start of something big.