Are Coffee Meetings a Thing of the Past?

Mikelti Metropulos, Sales

Over the last year, our world has changed drastically. Instead of going into the office every day, people are working from home. Events and meetings alike are getting canceled, including lunch, dinner, and coffee meetings.

Many people are itching to get back to face-to-face meetings, while the others are comfortable in all-virtual meetings. However, face-to-face meetings, in some form, are here to stay. As beneficial as using the virtual world has become this past year, there is simply no replacement for meeting in person for that connection you can only create in a face-to-face environment.

However, coffee meetings are still important, whether it is meeting over a video app like Zoom or Skype, or across a table!

Why are coffee meetings still so important?

They allow you to build a real connection with another person.
Trust and connection are two of the main things when building relationships, whether it is personal or professional. Real connection is difficult, if not impossible, to develop through email. Building a real connection starts with a virtual, or better yet, personal interaction.

They build your network.
As we all know, networking is essential. It is the primary reason for coffee meetings to begin with! Meeting with someone may open the door to make many other connections, expanding your network, outreach, and knowledge of the industry.

They can provide deeper insight.
Coffee meetings have the advantage of allowing you to get a deeper insight into an industry or project, or simply digging for more information. One of the best things about the promotional products industry is how much everyone is happy and willing to share! The information received at coffee meetings can be invaluable as it is personal insight direct from a source.

Best Practices

Find a quiet place.
Much like you would with a regular in-person meeting, it is important to find a quiet place to talk. If you are meeting face-to-face, make sure the location also allows participants to be comfortable and socially distanced.

Practice.
We are all aware by now of the hiccups that can come with virtual meetings. Be sure to do a test run before the actual meeting to work through any glitches. Also, it is the best time to check on the lighting and background of your designated area.

Be considerate.
Whether in person or virtual, value the other person's time. Have clear and concise questions prepared and do not be afraid to ask them! Bonus points if you bring a notebook with the noted questions in it and be ready to jot notes down. Even though we are in the world of technology be mindful of using your phone for notetaking and questions.

Lastly, be sure to bring the coffee!

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