How to make the most of a coffee meeting

“Let’s get coffee soon,” you say to a contact you made at a networking event, or perhaps to a person introduced to you via email. You’re absolutely right to do so. After all, coffee meetings can be casual, meaningful, and engaging. Compared to virtual ones (or emails), they can be as free-flowing as participants want it to be. Non-verbal communication and personalisation ensures a deeper connection.

So how can we make the most of that time? Here’s how.

1. Set a precise date, time, and location.

The problem with the word “Soon,” is that life can often get in the way. Meetings can come up; things can get busy. So, while the proverbial iron is hot – cultivate that connection. Whip out that calendar and carve out an hour or so, in a place that’s convenient for both of you. Make sure it’s a place that’s conducive to conversation.

2. Research, research, research.

Sure, a LinkedIn profile would be great. But what if you could delve into topics that could make the conversation much more interesting? That means keeping up to date with industry news, cultural hot buttons, and the like – but be wary of controversy!

Case in point: I had a coffee date with a woman who I wanted to work with to develop a STEM-based curriculum for our program for street dweller children. While we did tackle this, we also dove into topics such as the recent test scores of the Philippines in the PISA survey (which were absolutely horrifying), and the programs that we can possibly create to uplift the country’s education. We ended up with a long to-do list, of which we were quite excited.

3. First time meeting them? Ease into the agenda.

Here are some favorite ice-breaker questions:

• How did you get into what you’re doing now?
• What are you excited about?
• What are your biggest motivations?
• Would you recommend any good book to me? Which one?
• What are your current projects, and how can I help you?

4. Put away the gadgets. Seriously. You can learn more (and achieve more) by listening to this new person than by checking your Instagram. You’ll also look bored and disinterested. Who wants that?

5. Try to walk away from the meeting with these achievements:

• You both know how you can collaborate on different projects.
• You have an idea of your similarities.
• You have more respect for the person, and they have more respect for you.

Indeed, the opportunities for face-to-face connections are quite rare in this age of fast-paced, modern technology. When your new contact agrees to a coffee meeting, jump at the chance to get to know someone new.