The Role of Cigars in Networking
Discover how cigars can turn your social events into an engaging, friendly experience…
Cigars have long been seen as a symbol of elitism and power, and for centuries they have played a central role in social networking. Historically confined to men’s private circles, they were used as a tool for building relationships, doing business, and strengthening bonds between colleagues. Today, the practice has expanded far beyond those circles, reaching every professional sector and increasingly including women. The growth of cigar-centered socializing has moved past traditional formats, turning the art of networking into a friendly, engaging experience.
1. What Is Networking?
In English, “networking” literally means “working your network.” It is the art of creating and nurturing professional relationships with the aim of growing one’s sphere of influence. Historically, networking originated in the Anglo-Saxon business world, where circles of friends and family formed clubs around different interests. These private societies — politically focused in the 17th century — gradually diversified to include pastimes such as horse racing, cricket, and cigars. Because of their exclusivity, they were not places to meet new people, but places to rediscover old acquaintances. These long male-dominated circles reflected the tastes and interests of the elite.
Today, networking is a fundamental skill in the business world. It can expand your contacts, uncover new opportunities, yield valuable advice, and enable the sharing of information. In an increasingly competitive world, networking offers a unique chance to stand out. It allows professionals to build direct, genuine connections that can grow into fruitful collaborations and partnerships. Networking must therefore help build lasting relationships founded on trust and reciprocity.
Traditionally, networking took place in formal settings: conferences, seminars, and business lunches. Yet these conventional formats — often perceived as rigid and ceremonial — can make it difficult to build genuine connections between participants. This is where cigar-centered events come into their own.
2. What Role Do Cigars Play in Networking?
Enjoying a cigar is a social ritual. The slowness and patience that appreciating a cigar demands create a favorable space for conversation and reflection. Unlike the quick exchange over coffee, sharing a cigar invites you to take your time, giving participants a chance to relax and talk spontaneously. These shared moments help build deeper, more authentic relationships based on trust and camaraderie. Organizing social events around cigars also creates a unique atmosphere. Cigar clubs and private lounges are often gathering places for executives, entrepreneurs, and influential figures. The elite dimension of cigars reinforces the sense of belonging to a small circle, which is particularly favorable for developing a professional network.
Moreover, cigars act as a social catalyst. Aficionados usually share a common passion, which provides a solid foundation for building connections. Discussing preferred tobacco origins or manufacturing methods is an excellent conversation starter and icebreaker among participants. Relationships formed in this context tend to last longer, because they rest on shared experiences and interests rather than a mere exchange of business cards. Take, for example, the business bartenders’ group Cigar Night founded by John Dedd — for the first 30 to 45 minutes you can talk about cigars, spirits, and sports, without thinking about business at all; deals may even be reached between attendees later. A network built around cigars can thus combine the work dimension with a form of shared pleasure, generating instant camaraderie.
3. How Do You Organize a Cigar Networking Event?
Creating a networking event around cigars requires particular attention to the setting. First, it is important to choose a place where guests can smoke comfortably while enjoying an atmosphere conducive to discussion. Cigar clubs, private lounges, or even a terrace with a beautiful view are ideal choices. The venue must be well ventilated and offer a friendly environment that encourages exchange. Lighting, music, and even the arrangement of the tables all help create the intimate atmosphere that favors socializing.Your event must let participants taste quality cigars. For example, you could choose cigars from the same region but with different strengths, or conversely, cigars from different origins with similar characteristics. A varied selection should cater to all tastes while creating opportunities to discuss personal preferences. The selection must also take tasting time into account: as a general rule, no more than three cigars is recommended. This gives participants time to savor every puff while using the pauses to refresh their palates.
To enrich your event, consider inviting a cigar expert or brand ambassador to host a tasting session or masterclass. This adds an educational dimension to the event while giving attendees a common topic of conversation, and it can attract those who want to learn more about cigars while developing their professional network. Finally, a good cigar is usually enjoyed with a dram of whiskey, cognac, or rum. Take the time to choose drinks that complement the cigars on offer. You can also add snacks and dishes that will not overwhelm the cigars’ flavors but enrich the overall experience.
4. Conclusion
Cigar networking events have grown increasingly popular in recent years. By creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, cigars help participants unwind quickly, which fosters spontaneous and meaningful interaction. By choosing the right setting and combining your networking event with a cigar tasting, you can boost member engagement and help them achieve their business goals more easily. This new format, blending pleasure with business, may well become the new standard of the networking world.
