NETWORKING: Coffee Is a Great Career Investment
Coffee equals
incentive. Let's get the obvious out of the way first because
it's important for the two points to follow: coffee can help you work
and function better better. About 15 years ago, an acquaintance of
mine told me that coffee equals incentive. He explained that the
caffiene allows you to be more alert, while the occasional sip (or
chug) from a travel mug gives your mouth something to do. This, he
said, makes the day seem like it's passing by at a more enjoyable
pace. And when you're enjoying something, you have incentive to
continue it.
Coffee gives incentive.
Just as consuming coffee can provide you with the incentive to
get through the day, inviting a new networking contact for coffee (on
your dime) or bringing a cup with you if you meet at his/her office
gives incentive. Your new networking contact will
likely accept the token in the spirit it's given, but there are two
other ways your coffee investment will help you: 1) s/he will
probably feel obligated, once you meet, to at least talk with you
until s/he finishes or the coffee gets cold; and 2) the caffiene and
ritualistic consumption of the coffee will put the networking contact
at ease and allow him/her to enjoy your meeting more. This can lead
to a more open exchange of ideas - which is the basis for a solid
professional relationship. Coffee is bankable.
A cup of coffee doesn't need to have any strings attached. Sending a
pre-paid gift card to a coffee shop can provide incentive for a
future meeting without you even asking for one. It can also be a
great way to thank a networking contact for meeting (and likely
guarantee you'll have another meeting soon).
IN THE CARAVAN: Use coffee for networking purposes.
LATER TODAY: Coffee and Networking (Supplemental)
NEXT TUESDAY: Networking is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Check out last Tuesday's posts:
NETWORKING: Manners Will Get You Everywhere
NETWORKING VIDEO: Everyday Manners
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
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