The 4-Step Process to Coffee Chats
People love coffee. People love talking about themselves. People won’t hate you for asking them on a coffee chat.
This summer, coffee chats are my life. From catching up with friends to meeting new people at work, that’s essentially what it comes down to.
Because:
A) There’s free coffee (typically). If not, you’re probably just paying for the venti coffee you would’ve gotten anyway.
B) You get free advice.
C) You make a connection. (If you can’t figure out why this is always good, make a LinkedIn account.)
“hi I want to take 30 minutes of your time for you to educate me, listen to my problem and uncertainties, and ultimately, befriend me.”
That’s essentially what you’re asking but let’s make it slightly less awkward, shall we? And here let’s break it down in terms of your daily routine. 4 STEPS.
1. You’re still in line. Decide on your order.
Wait, are you telling me that I need to prep for conversation? Yes. 100%. Do you want to learn more about semiconductor lasers? Do you want to hear about the potential of new health technology? Do you want career advice? Find out what you’re looking for then find someone who can fill your knowledge gap.
2. Send a meeting invite the way you’d order a coffee
“Good morning!”
Be friendly, greet them. They’re humans too with Mondays and everything.
“Can I get a medium iced coffee?”
Ask for what you want. Mention some details on discussion items to alleviate the pressure from both sides to think of a preliminary topic. It’ll set the stage for you before you even meet.
“Thanks!”
Acknowledge their time. They’re busy people. Appreciate them.
Alright, you’re ready. If you’re nervous, write some questions down and bring your notebook. You can never be too prepared.
3. Sip your coffee.
Coffee chats are essentially free advice. So don’t push it. Ask them about themselves — their career path, their hobbies, their weekend. Then ask them anything, preferably within the realm of your pre-established topic, whether that be life, opinions, or knowledge bases. Take it slowly and listen to what they’re saying. Bonus points if you ask them a question based on what they say. They’ll see that you’re genuinely interested and you get to hear the nittier grittier details. Win-win.
4. Done your coffee? Don’t you feel energized?
Thank your new connection! Thank them for their time! Maybe in the future, they’ll hook you up with an unbelievable job offer. Maybe they agreed to send you resources or look over your resume. Maybe you’ll be friends.
Congratulations! You did it! Now that wasn’t so hard right?


