Tips for arranging coffee/happy hour meetings
I have set up many coffee meetings or happy hours for folks I want to network with (potential employees, program managers, other business owners, etc.) and to make it a smooth as possible, here are some things I do.
- Suggest several dates and times I can make it over the next few weeks. Work out any kinks from there.
- Suggest one to two places to meet. If I have no idea where they work/live, I suggest a place convenient for me. I almost always suggest the same place. If I know where they live/will be coming from, I Google a place near them that looks okay and ask if they're open to that location or if they have a preference
- Send out a calendar invite with my contact information and the location
- Confirm the day before the time still works
- Get to the place 15 minutes early to get a seat
- I pay for the drinks
It's helpful to make a note of places where you can get a table easily and is conducive to talking. Preferably, not overly romantic, that is, unless you are single and looking to date a harried program manager.
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