This February I got a phone call out of the blue inviting me to lunch.
We are always told that there is no such thing as a free lunch, but as far as I can tell, even with the benefit of 4 months of hindsight, this lunch was indeed free, gratis, without strings or further obligation. Not only that but, as discussed over the wonton soup, this free lunch was an invitation to a series of free dinners. I was being invited to join a local networking group of young entrepreneurs – I fit the bill for the group as I run my own company (i.e. I am a freelancer), do stuff that is not run of the mill (i.e. I don’t work with computers), and am young (i.e. I am under 40, wear jeans and don’t shave everyday). In my opinion being an actor/writer/stand up/ comedy club promoter, etc is not entrepreneurial, but bloody foolish.
And so I became a member of ‘Linköpings Framtid’ (Linköping’s Future). Although it sounds a bit like a fascist organisation, the group is actually indirectly funded by the Social Democrats. As I understand it, they want to get into the minds of entrepreneurial young people who do not naturally vote for them. Yes, I am part of a political experiment, but I can’t say no to a free slap up meal.
So for the last few months, once a month I meet with other entrepreneurial types and members of SSU (Sveriges Socialdemokratiska Ungdomsförbund - Young Social Democrats) to eat and drink courtesy of Mona Sahlin. We discuss things: The politicians talk about politics and the entrepreneurs glaze over, then the entrepreneurs talk about running a business and the politicians nod sagely rubbing their beards. Meanwhile, I tuck in and open another bottle of finely chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Last night, by sheer coincidence, just as the second half of the Champions League Final was kicking off, everyone made their excuses and left… … only to reconvene in the pub next door with the big screen.
What a game! What an atmosphere! What a post-prandial, white-wine-tipsy buzz!
Regardless of last night’s result in Rome, it reminded me that life is not about the winning or losing, but about the free lunches.
Tags: Lagom, Linköping, Networking
