How to Navigate a Coffee Chat

By: Anusha Malla & Mahavir Doshi

Have you ever had a coffee chat? If not, no worries! We have a couple tips on how to go about your first one, and gain as much value out of it as possible. 

1. Be on time

Punctuality is so important, and it goes a long way in making a good first impression. It shows that you are willing and excited to chat, and showcases that you have respect for that person’s time. If you have an emergency or a last minute scheduling conflict, make sure to send an email as soon as you are able to. 

2. Come prepared with questions

Make sure to look into the person you are going to be talking to. TBS provides information on each member on our website, but if you would like to go more in depth check out their LinkedIn! Questions could be about their industry and fields of interest or about their personal hobbies and interests. 

3. Be professional and respectful 

Make sure to maintain professionalism in any coffee chat. Do not mention sensitive subjects such as partying or substances, because it can end up reflecting badly on you in the long run. However, feel free to gear the conversation towards your hobbies and interests along with professional subjects!

Remember, we are excited to speak with you. Good luck on your future coffee chats!