Sometimes The Smallest Things Can Make The Biggest Differences.

In business we are always looking for some sort of competitive advantage over our competition... but often we don't realise that a real competitive advantage has less to do with beating our competitors, and more to do with doing something that not only makes us feel good... but helps others as well.

Many great mentors and educators have often shared the concept of charitable giving, creating a space and a place where we as people in business and our businesses can make an impact out in the world.

The greatest challenge for most of us is that we are struggling to simply survive, yet we still feel we need to do SOMETHING that could make a difference... in someone's life.

When I personally realised that I wasn't in a great position to develop a strategic giving plan through my business, I realised that I COULD SHARE SOMETHING very different, very personal and something that could give another person some real pleasure, even for a short time.

When I was living in Highgate Hill, Brisbane... there was a homeless guy called Nicholas who I got to know... I would buy coffee for him from time to time at the Coffee Club in West End... whenever I was there for a meeting or simply enjoying a coffee with a friend and doing a crossword puzzle.

At the time, I had no idea about 'suspended coffees', or that they were a thing... I always thought it was simply a nice thing to do... sharing something that was special for me every day, and making a small gesture that could be special for somebody else... to make their day.

And it's totally awesome to know that other people around the world have organised this on a bigger scale..... because I know there are more Nicholas's out there...

I love this story and I would like to share it with you... I am sure that it will warm you almost as well as a coffee or tea... on a cold winters day!

When I entered a little coffeehouse in Boston with a friend of mine, and after we had ordered our coffees... we were on our way to our table when two other people come in and went to the counter:

'Five coffees, please... two of them for us and three suspended... they ordered!'

I ask my mate: "What are those 'suspended' coffees all about?"

He said: "Let's wait for a bit while we drink our coffees and you'll see for yourself."

Some more people entered... two girls ordered a coffee each, paid and went on their way. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers - three for them and four 'suspended'.

While I still wondering what the deal was with these 'suspended' coffees... I was enjoying the sunny weather and the beautiful view of the square and gardens in front of the café.

Then a man dressed in shabby clothing, who looked very much like a beggar came into the cafe and quietly asked the server... 'Would you please have a suspended coffee available?'

The server smiled and said to the beggar, "Of course we do, what would you like me to make you?" She made up his coffee order and we watched him quietly go outside into the park and enjoy this simple, yet precious gift (to him at least).

My friend explained... "It's simple really - people choose to pay in advance for a coffee or tea which is meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, Italy... but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee or tea, but also a sandwich or a whole meal."

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have such cafés or even grocery stores in every town where the less fortunate could find a little hope and support?

So how do I buy a 'suspended' coffee?

It’s really quite simple.

First, you walk into your favourite coffee shop, and instead of buying just one cup of coffee, you buy two or more. You buy one for yourself and one for someone in need. The barista gives you your coffee, then logs the second coffee as “suspended”. The coffee can then be redeemed in a number of different ways.

If your coffee shop doesn't do "suspended coffees", ask them if they would like to start to do so and you can explain the... what, why, where and how to them.

So what is my money really paying for?

Firstly, you don’t have to worry if your money is going to actually help someone, or just go to some charity, or that the recipient is going to spend the money on something other than what it's for... because you’re donating a suspended item, you are in total control of how your money is helping another person.

So who am I really helping?

This one is a win-win... your money stays right in your community. You not only support someone in need, you also support your local business and all its employees, as well as helping to restore a little faith in humanity.

Can I buy something other than coffee or tea?

Of course! It can be used for more than just coffee and tea. You could buy a hot bowl of nourishing soup, a sandwich, a cold drink, fruit, bread, or a full meal. Because of its simplicity, the suspended coffee idea makes it easy to duplicate with other food items. When you donate a suspended item, you’re not only satisfying a person’s immediate need, you may also be helping to restore their dignity.

Who is eligible to receive the free coffee/food?

A suspended coffee can actually be for anyone. It can be for the homeless man you pass every day on the street, a stressed student in the middle of exams, or a mom who needs a five minute break. It is not up to us to judge who is in need. If someone asks, then they are in need. It helps remind us that no matter how alone you may feel, there is always someone somewhere who cares. Being alone... is probably the scariest thing in the world, and our hope is to brighten those dark days of loneliness and fear.

Yes, it’s just a cup of coffee, but it’s about more than the coffee... isn't it?

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