30 LinkedIn Lattes over 30 Days: The Power of Connection and 30 Things Learned!

In October 2018, Louise H. Reid challenged me to have 30 coffees over 30 days. I wondered how I would do it but decided that it was definitely something I would consider. I am pleased to say I took on the challenge and honestly, the experience was amazing. I met up with so many wonderful people: Some I had never met in person, some I just met, and some...well..it had just been too long!

Nothing can beat meeting people in person when we have the chance. Honestly, I had gotten so caught up on all the online stuff, I forgot that!

LinkedIn is so powerful. Many people doubt that real relationships can\t be built but I can honestly say that I have met so many people that have changed my life and have become what I call #LinkedInFam or my #LinkedInPeoplePod. Some I may never meet in person, but I know that if I do, it will be so amazingly natural. Why? Because it is all about the power of connection. We will meet those we sync with whether that be on or offline. Behind the platform, is our own version of "This is Us"; diverse humans with powerful stories to share.

In the month of October, I was able to have face to face coffees, and a few online, with so many amazing people and here are the 30 things I learned:

1. Nothing beats human connection.. and....having a LinkedIn Latte is a great way
2. A LinkedIn Latte makes people smile

1. Having a LinkedIn Latte is a great way to get to know people; really get to know people
2. People genuinely like to share about themselves over a LinkedIn Latte
3. Having a LinkedIn Latte is a great way to engage in active listening and show I care

6. A LinkedIn Latte can bring out so many creative ideas in people

7. If I ask for a LinkedIn Latte date, and the answer is "No" I have nothing to lose

8. Everyone likes their LinkedIn Latte a different way and it can really say a lot about one's personality including my own

9. Inviting someone for a LinkedIn Latte could really make someone's day

10. A LinkedIn Latte date it totally casual and a time to totally lay back and be myself

11. Sharing stories over a LinkedIn Latte is a great way to get to know someone

12. Showing up for that LinkedIn Latte shows we both care and are invested in the relationship

13. Ideas for future collaborations and projects can take root over a LinkedIn Latte

14. A LinkedIn Latte is "intentional" time

15. People always remember when I buy them a LinkedIn Latte

16. If it is impossible to have a LinkedIn Latte in person, Zoom IN is an alternative; still creating some face-to face time

17. Having a LinkedIn Latte helps give some love to a variety of coffee shops; they all supported LinkedIn Latte time and many asked when I would be back for the next one

18. Having a LinkedIn Latte can help some people get out of a rut and help them build a new community

19. Having a LinkedIn Latte can helped me learn about new opportunities

20. 1st level LinkedIn connections can feel more at ease over a LinkedIn Latte and this could lead to introductions to new connections: It is called LinkedIn Latte Networking!

21. Nobody has the right to tell me (or you) who you can have a LinkedIn Latte with

22. Networking is a muscle, and gets better over time. A LinkedIn Latte helps!

23. Regardless of age, seniority or background, we all have something in common with everyone

24. Many of the LinkedIn Latte Coffee chats became more valuable than what I was expecting in the first place

25. A LinkedIn Latte doesn't have to be coffee..the possibilities are endless

26. I learned that experts did a study and because of the results they claim that 3 cups of coffee may result in a 1 to 3 month longer lifespan! That’s not a lot, but it is a positive change. It can be beneficial to our health. So, this month of LinkedIn Lattes could very well have lengthened my lifespan

27. I love my LinkedIn Latte Mug cup, but never failed to enjoy the coffee. Not once! I savored the coffee, not the cup! Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live even though it is my favorite mug:)

28. LinkedIn Lattes are a perfect way to get together with old friends / colleagues to reminisce about good times

29. A LinkedIn Latte in the company of a cute fur baby = LOVE!

30. We are never too busy to find time for a LinkedIn Latte. Social Connection is important to our health and happiness!

One of the biggest things I learned over this 30 Coffees over 30 Days Challenge is that even though in the beginning, I thought to myself, " How am I going to do this? I am so busy!" I found the time ( and alternative ways) and so grateful I did.

Busy is not a state of being and many of us have confused our sense of inherent value with busyness!

Truly successful people don't run around frantically proclaiming how busy and overwhelmed they are. Truly successful leaders see the importance in getting to know people while still remaining focused and committed to important and critical tasks at hand.

There is power in a pause -- don’t allow yourself to be so busy that you lose out on the power of spending some quality down-time with others-you will certainly be glad you did!

Thank you to all of the those who were part of my 30 Coffees over 30 Days Challenge.

I enjoyed every minute if it!!!

Taranum Khan, Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman, Jennifer Hurdman, Wayne Bennett, Candice Pahal, Phil Town, Annie (Hsiao Wen) Sun, Nawal Malik, Mominah Mohsin, Jennifer Catallo, Karen Pak, Nina Di Trapani, Donna Hunter, Luki Danukarjanto, Jeff Young, Laura Staley, Toni Abraira, Norma Kraft, Louise Cote (and Pasquale), Lyla Korhani, Deanne Saunders, Violetta Bontes, Bonnie Merchan-Douglas, Julian Smit, George Khalife, Sean Mullin, Amy Davies, Linda Tory, Tracey Wang, and Natasha Angelica Rajpal

Shelly Elsliger

Career Specialist, LinkedIn Trainer, and Confidence Coach