Catch up coffee? Plan your conversation

A “default” following up strategy after you have initially met a contact or as a check-in is to grab a “catch up coffee”. There is nothing wrong with this and it can give you some fantastic one on one time with an interesting contact but it can help if you have a plan in advance so that you make sure that you get something out of the conversation and/or you don’t go off on a tangent.

Pick a time and place that suits you both to have a relaxed and productive conversation (and enjoy some coffee).

Ask Why?

Start by considering the motivation for your conversation.

• Why are you having coffee?
• Why are you choosing to have coffee with this particular person
• Why might they choose to engage with you?

Plan Ahead

Do your homework. Make notes about what you might like to talk about and do a little bit of research so you are not wasting your time and the time of your contact.

Be Prepared to lead.

Be prepared to guide the conversation. If you have asked them for a coffee they will expect you to lead the conversation (or at least kick it off). If it helps you write a list of all the things you want to learn from this person/ want to ask.

Think back to why you are there. Take notes if it helps you remember. Look for opportunities to add value / help them where possible.