Quick Tip: Ask for a Two-Way Meeting

If you are trying to get a virtual coffee meeting with someone you don’t know or someone who is likely to be too busy to see you – why not ask for a two-way meeting. Offer this person something in return for their time.

If the person can take something away from their meeting with you they are more likely to say yes, and you are more likely to have a mutually beneficial meeting.

What can you offer? It is important to identify what you might be able to offer them in return. You might be able to offer them your advice and expertise and/or to teach them something new. Alternatively, you might be able to offer an introduction and help them in some way.

Focus on opening up the agenda so that it is two-way (rather than one way) and include what you might be able to offer when you email them about the coffee.