If you’ve been following me for any length of time, then you know how much I advocate getting out from behind your computer and meeting people in person.
In person and face to face conversations are one of THE best ways to build your business and to attract clients. Even better if you can be the speaker.
However there’s one aspect of meeting people that carries a lot of baggage – and that is the dreaded business coffee date.
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard from entrepreneurs that they feel discouraged, and that they are a waste of time.
- They only wanted to talk about themselves
- They wanted to recruit me into their business opportunity
- This person has no money, will never be a client, and never be a referral partner
- They just wanted MY contacts
I get it. When I first started my business, I went on every single coffee date I was invited to because I hoped that they would create business for me.
And likely you too have heard that business is built on relationships, and so you too, go out and do the dreaded coffee dates. And just like I did, you end up frustrated as you’re no further ahead.
The thing is, coffee dates can turn into amazing opportunities to build PROFITABLE relationships and expand your network if you set them up correctly. (And in my opinion most of it can be done on the phone as a virtual coffee date)
In today’s episode we dive into the concept of the “coffee date”, why most are doomed before they begin, and how to turn it around and create connections that lead to cash!
Remember to download the outlines I give you to help you navigate requests for coffee dates! And how to structure a coffee meeting for positive outcomes.
Make sure to leave me a comment below and if you liked this episode make sure to share it using the social share buttons below and help others turn coffee dates into conversations that create cash.
Carol Kostachuk
Thank you for this invaluable insight on ciffe dates!! Been asked on some and trying to see why when I have never met the person.
Alex
Great lesson for business owners on how to maximize their time and value!
Nafissa Shireen
Thank you Alex! This particular episode has had lots of feedback, I’m thinking that a lot of entrepreneurs have had this struggle! The thing is, it can be very profitable.
Jacki Semerau Tait
So happy that I found your site…you have an awesome delivery and great insights. Me, I’m a fan of the coffee dates :) But I HAVE been on some that have hit all those negative bullet points…and those are horrible!
Nafissa Shireen
Welcome Jacki! It’s so great having you here. Be sure to join us for our Living Forward TV episode LIVE on Facebook today at 12:30pm PST, where I will be answering questions and going deeper into the conversation around Coffee Dates.
Melanie Boylan
You are so right about creating relationships face-to-face of course! I have been struck by the odd “its all about me” type coffee dates as well.
As a sole trader I only have so much time to spend on networking as I wear so many other hats doing other things. These are excellent tips to get you on the straight and narrow :)
Nafissa Shireen
Thank you, Melanie. I’m delighted that you found these tips to be so helpful.
Vatsala Shukla
We’ve all had those Coffee Dates that have left us drained and disappointed, Nafissa.
Most of my business is international so its easy but for the local meetings, I make sure there has been enough interaction in advance to make the meeting worthwhile for both parties.
A must read for business owners who haven’t figured out their business boundaries yet.