The idea of a face to face meeting may terrify you in this digital era where all of us have made friends and connections with people we have never met in person but are connected on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. While for some it is a scary proposition, a coffee meeting can open so many doors and lead you to a dream job or project.
In 10 Tips for an Awesome Coffee Meeting author Sean Blanda shares details some great tips to almost ensure a successful coffee date. Let’s review some of that key advice.
Nothing ruins a first impression like showing up late to a meeting when someone is busy and taking the time from their day.
1. Be Clear and Be Prepared
When you set up the meeting be specific about why you want to meet with them and once you have it booked do your research on the person you are meeting. Read their Twitter, their Linkedin, check for press releases about them and then devise a list of questions you plan to ask. Go above and beyond what you can find online and tie it back to your original request.
2. Tardiness is a No-No
Now this one should be an obvious tip but needs to be stated. Nothing ruins a first impression like showing up late to a meeting when someone is busy and taking the time from their day. Leave early, check the traffic. It is better for you to be there early and waiting than for you to be late and your date sitting there waiting for you. Being late will get you started on the wrong foot!
3. Pick up the Tab
There is a value exchange happening in this meeting. The person you meet is giving you their time (and remember that their time is more valuable than money) and you are going to buy them a beverage of their choice. Ask them when you are in line and pay for the tab. It is the least you can do!
4. Be Specific
You’ve already secured the meeting and that implies some assistance from the individual. This is step two and it is okay to be direct in asking for what you came for. Some examples: “Do you know of any recruiters that I should speak to about getting in to the field of loyalty marketing?” or “I am really interested in working in innovation for companies like Apple or Samsung – do you know anyone at those companies?”
5. Don’t Go Long
We can’t iterate enough about the importance of time to the person you are meeting with. End on time or early even. Even if the conversation is going well make sure you acknowledge that the scheduled time is coming to an end.
6. Follow Up
Of course you sent a thank you note after the meeting. I recommend actually sending a printed one through the mail to set yourself apart from others. If you need some help writing an actual thank you note you can read Diane Gottsman post How to Send a Professional Thank You Note to get some pointers.
A couple weeks after that first note you will want to close the loop with one last follow-up; think of it as an update on where you are at with all the great advice this individual shared with you.
Now to reinforce these 6 tips and get more insight you may want to read Kim Thompson’s Five surefire ways to ruin a networking meeting
Do you have a successful coffee meeting story to share? Maybe one that didn’t go so well that you learned what not to do for the next time?