If you eat lunch alone most days, you might want to consider downloading the LunchMeet app on your iPhone. LunchMeet was designed for professionals who want to meet other professionals for lunch. In a way, LunchMeet is kind of the anti-social network, though (ironically) this app can only function if you have a LinkedIn account.

App developer, Taylan Kay, wanted a way for those who connect through social networks to connect in person. While this is often impossible, Kay developed the LunchMeet app that helps business people communicate effectively through the art of speaking during lunch. If your lunchtimes are free most of the time, you’ll want to take a look at what this app can do for you.

How the App Works

Once downloaded, the LunchMeet app will ask you to sign up with your LinkedIn account. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, now would be a good time to create one (you can’t use this app without the help of LinkedIn). After you’ve logged into your LinkedIn account, you will be asked to set a timeslot (the times that you are available). You can choose a “quick start,” which will let others know that you are available now, or you can pre-select a date and time in the future.

Using location identification information, LunchMeet will find locations near you where you can meet up with someone you want to connect with. You can then choose to announce your availability on LinkedIn (if you want to go public), or you can conduct a search for someone in your area who may be available. If the app doesn’t come up with anyone who’s available when you are (this may happen, since the app is new), you can invite a LinkedIn connection to join you.

App Potential

This app works relatively smoothly from the start. Setting up the app is simple enough, and it doesn’t take any time at all to connect with someone who’s around your area. It’s also easy to choose a location to meet someone with the help of location tracking. Whether or not someone you know is currently using this app is a different story.

The app is (as mentioned) very new, which means that only a handful of people are currently using this app. When more people sign up for LunchMeet, you will be able to meet with more people near you. Of course, there’s always the possibility that none of your LinkedIn connections live near you at all. In this case, you’ll have to rely on good old social networking. Still, LunchMeet is a refreshing idea that’s bound to catch on in some circles – especially if you want to meet up with someone who’s influential in your industry.

Ready When You Are

LunchMeet may have just launched, but this app is ready to go. If you’re in the meet and greet mood, you can download the app to your iPhone now. Sorry Android and Blackberry users, this app is only available on iOS at the time being.