Coffee meetings are a talent

I love meeting people for coffee! Learning about what people do for a living and getting to know them personally is not only interesting but fun for me. 

A successful "coffee" is when both parties feel like they were heard. 

Most recently, I had a coffee meeting where my guest who called me for the meeting ran in at the last minute out of breath; When she got her coffee, she dove right into what she does for a living and what I need that her company offers. 

I am not sure how you do that, tell me what I need, till you understand me and my business and find the holes you can fill or how to make my job more efficient. 

If you are the person who reached out for the meeting then, you are the host of the meeting. Just like a dinner party, you make sure your guests are taken care of and happy. 

Here are a few tips that may help your next coffee go well. 

1. Before the meeting, look up your guest and learn a little bit about their business and try to find what they are currently working on, how can you help with that? 
2. Ask if you can order them coffee and have it waiting for them. Most people only have an hour - if you take up the first 10-15 minutes getting situated then you have lost time 
3. If you invited more than one person to the meeting make introductions (hopefully you did some of the background introductions Via email beforehand) 
4. A little personal never hurt anyone, getting to know your client means to understand what makes them tick. How are kids, how is that game of yours, all business makes you not such a fun person. 
5. Have a goal in mind of what you hope to accomplish at the meeting and keep it focused, make sure your guest understands the purpose before the meeting. 
6. If you are looking for new business, remember a foot in the door can lead to big things. Do not turn away small opportunities. 
7. Follow up, if you called the meeting - you should send the thank you. Handwritten is best, but if not, an email works too. Recap some highlights of the meeting. If at this meeting you are not a good fit, don't ghost your coffee date just yet. You never know when they will become a great asset or referral partner.