#314: Master English Networking: How to Network with Coffee Chats

Have you ever found yourself wishing you could unlock the door to new career opportunities with just a simple conversation? Well, you might just need a ‘coffee chat.’ But what exactly is a coffee chat among professionals?

In the United States and many other English-speaking countries, a ‘coffee chat’ refers to what’s essentially an informal informational interview. 

It’s a casual meeting at a café where two people exchange knowledge and opportunities over coffee. More than just a catch-up, these chats are strategic opportunities to meet more experienced professionals to learn about their roles, their companies, or their career paths.

Whether you’re actively job searching, considering a career change, or looking to expand your professional network, understanding how to effectively initiate and conduct these coffee chats in English can be your gateway to hidden opportunities.

In today’s lesson, we’ll dive into why these seemingly casual coffee chats are often a preferred method for networking, how you can start them with confidence, and the key strategies for making these interactions both successful and memorable.

Master Workplace English Networking: How to Network with Coffee Chats

Networking Know-How

First, let’s briefly highlight what networking is. It’s the practice of building relationships with individuals and businesses, usually for professional purposes.

It involves the exchange of information and resources to create connections that can be mutually beneficial—this means it provides value to both individuals/parties.

What are the benefits of networking? 

And the benefits? These include:

• Strengthening your professional connections;
• Advancing your career;
• Finding a mentor;
• Accessing new information, career advice, and support;
• Gaining fresh perspectives;
• Developing long-lasting personal and professional relationships with others.

Networking occurs quite often at professional events designed for networking or via informal conversations, such as coffee chats. Cafes and coffee shops are popular locations because they are:

• Convenient
• Neutral
• Casual

And they encourage a limited time commitment.

Cultural Expectations in Networking

Before we get into the language you’ll need to initiate and conduct a meaningful coffee chat, let’s talk about what’s expected in English-speaking culture.

There are 4 unspoken rules you need to know:

• Professionalism and Tact
• Reciprocity 
• Casual Yet Conclusive Meetings
• Follow-Up

Professionalism and Tact

Even in informal settings like coffee chats, a certain level of professionalism is expected. This includes punctuality, dressing appropriately for the occasion, and preparing for the conversation by researching the person and their company beforehand. 

Moreover, it’s important to be tactful about how you approach sensitive topics such as job opportunities. Tactful means saying the right things at the right time. Focus first on building rapport and establishing connections.

Reciprocity 

Networking isn’t just about what you can gain from others but also what you can offer. The culture of reciprocity means that networking is seen as a two-way street. Offering help, advice, or a useful introduction, for example.

But what if you’re meeting with a senior leader with years of experience, know-how, and connections, and you’re just entering the field? 

Then, focus on being in receiver mode. This means focusing more on asking questions and listening rather than talking. You’re there to learn from your contact.

Casual Yet Conclusive Meetings

While your location at a coffee shop might be casual, the meetings should have a clear purpose, limited length, and conclusion. Start briefly with small talk but then move on to more substantive topics.

Follow-Up

This is critical and expected. When someone gives you the gift of their time, sending a thank-you email, connecting on LinkedIn, or sharing an article you discussed are all good practices. This not only shows appreciation but also helps to maintain the connection you’ve started.

Initiating Contact

How do you initiate contact or invite someone to join you for a coffee chat?

First, you have to consider your relationship: is it warm or cold?

A warm contact is someone you already know; you’ve met previously. In other words, if you send an email, they know who you are. Think of friends, old colleagues, former classmates, family, work or industry peers, etc.

A cold contact is someone you don’t know; you’ve never met. In this case, trust hasn’t been established yet, they are unaware of your abilities and skills, and you will need to grab their attention because you’re a stranger to them and you need to make a good impression.

Once you’ve determined whether you’re reaching out to a warm or cold contact, then you can determine the right approach.

Let’s focus first on how to invite a warm contact. 

Warm Contact

When reaching out via email, text, or social media like LinkedIn, it’s essential to do so with purpose and warmth. This means *personalized* and clear communication. 

This could include reminiscing about a shared experience or tapping into a shared interest. Either way, the approach is a reminder of your rapport and eliminates any awkwardness. 

The following phrases are useful when reestablishing this rapport:

• How have things been going with [project]?
• What are you enjoying most about X?
• I was reading/watching/listening to X, and thought you’d enjoy it too. 

Similarly, these phrases help introduce your request.

• I was wondering if…?
• I’d love to…
• Would you mind if…?
• What do you think about…?
• Could we…?
• Is there any chance you might…?
• I’m looking for advice on…

Here’s how those might sound together: 

• It was great seeing you at [event]. I’d love to catch up over coffee and hear more about your current projects.
• I really enjoyed our conversation last time about [topic]. Could we meet for a coffee sometime soon to continue our discussion?
• Since we both know [mutual connection], I thought it would be great to meet up and share more about our experiences in [industry]. How does coffee next week sound?
• I recall you mentioning your interest in [topic] when we met at [location]. If you’re available, I’d love to explore this further over coffee.
• Following up on our chat at [event], I’d like to get your insights on [specific topic]. Let’s meet for a coffee to discuss this in more detail.

Scenario #1: 

Imagine you’re thinking seriously about shifting your career in a particular direction and you remember that your colleague from a previous job did the same a few months ago. When reaching out, you might say,  

Hello Mila,
I hope you’ve been well and you’re enjoying your new role. How have you been adapting to the new team? Surely, it’s not as fun as working with me! Jokes aside, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about a career change and was wondering if I could get your advice.

In this example, the tone is light-hearted and shows genuine interest in the other person’s life. In addition, it focuses on bringing up a positive memory before clearly communicating the intent of the email. 

Cold Contacts

The approach is slightly different for cold contacts.

Before reaching out, do the research necessary to understand their role, the company they work at, their interests, and any professional accomplishments. This is also a fantastic way to find out if you have anything in common with them.

Then, tailor your message to acknowledge their expertise in your field. In addition, mention a detail about their work or knowledge that genuinely interests you. 

Most importantly, maintain concision and make the purpose of the message clear.

Here are several examples: 

• I recently came across your work in [publication] and was impressed by your insights on [topic]. I’m [Your Name], and I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you over coffee.
• I’m [Your Name], and I specialize in [your field]. I’ve followed your career with interest, and I believe we could have a mutually beneficial conversation. Would you be open to a coffee chat sometime?
• Hello [Name], I’m reaching out as an admirer of your work at [Company]. I’m keen to learn more about your approach to [industry/topic]. Could we perhaps meet for a coffee to discuss this?
• As someone passionate about [industry], I’ve been very impressed by your recent projects. I’m [Your Name], and I would love the chance to meet and learn more about your insights over coffee.
• I came across your profile on [social media/networking platform], and your experience with [specific skill/project] caught my eye. I’m [Your Name], and I’d like to discuss potential collaboration over coffee.

Scenario #2: 

Imagine you’re new to your field and you’re looking for good resources that will help you develop your skill set. On LinkedIn, you come across someone who has been in the field for over 10 years and seems to have in-depth knowledge of professional development.

Here’s how you might reach out:

Hello Tom,
My name’s Ivanna and I’m an ESL teacher at Lingo Learning Centre. I recently came across your profile and noticed you’ve worked predominantly with adult learners. As I’m new to the field, I’d love to connect with you and learn more about your journey as an English teacher. What resources do you recommend for developing one’s teaching skill set? 

In this example, it’s clear that I’ve done the research. I acknowledge the person’s role, their expertise, and refer to their experience. Most importantly, I’ve started this conversation by briefly introducing myself and sharing why I value this connection. Most importantly, I get to the purpose of my message quickly. 

Lastly, your request will benefit from being clear about the expected time commitment. This provides clarity in your request, helps with quick scheduling, and is more likely to lead to a positive response.

For example: 

Warm Invitation

• Could we meet for a quick coffee next week? I’m sure a 30-minute chat would give us a chance to catch up properly!
• I’d love to hear more about your current projects. Can we meet for about 30 minutes? I can work around your schedule to make it convenient.

Cold Invitation

• I would greatly appreciate if you could spare 30 minutes for a coffee chat. I’m flexible with timing and can meet at a location that suits you best.
• If you’re available, could we schedule a brief 30-minute meeting? I believe this would be enough time to cover the essential topics of our discussion.

Scenario #3

Perhaps, you’re a marketing manager and you admire the work of a senior marketing executive in your field. You are curious to learn more about what inspires their work and how they maintain their creativity. This is something you’d like to discuss with them over coffee at some point. After a few exchanges about a piece of their work you admire, you might say:

Hello Yulia,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the article. Your insights reminded me of the importance of critically observing trends on social media. In fact, I’m currently working on a campaign for a new client and I’d love some advice on how best to balance trends with best practices. If possible, would you be interested in chatting for 20 minutes over some coffee next week? 

Note: In American culture, if you invite someone out, it is understood that you will pay for the coffee/drinks.

Conducting the Conversation

Once you’ve made the ask and selected the right location—such as a quiet, neutral coffee shop that’s convenient for both parties—you can prepare to lead the conversation. 

To make the most of your limited time, you’ll need:

• A clear goal/purpose in mind
• Research about the individual you will meet
• A selected list of open questions that encourage dialogue and help you to achieve your goal
• Remember, this is a chat and not an interrogation. Avoid bombarding the person with questions and listen intently to their thoughts. You are there to learn from the expert, so they will be doing most of the talking. 

Here are a few examples: 

Background and Experience

• Could you tell me more about your career path and how you got to your current position?
• What experiences do you think were most instrumental in shaping your career?

Industry Insight

• From your experience, what are the biggest challenges currently facing our industry?
• Where do you see the industry heading in the next few years?

Role and Responsibilities

• What does a typical day look like for you in your role?
• What are the most rewarding, and conversely, the most challenging aspects of your job?

Advice Seeking

• What advice would you give someone with my background interested in entering this field?
• Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently in your career?

Company Culture

• Can you describe the culture at your company? What makes it unique?
• How does your company address professional development and career growth?

Future Opportunities

• Are there emerging roles or skills that you think are becoming more important in our field?
• Does your company have any upcoming projects that you are particularly excited about?

Networking and Recommendations

• Who else do you think I should speak with? Is there anyone else you recommend I connect with?
• Are there professional groups or events that you find valuable for networking and professional development?”

Then, when it’s time to finish your conversation, aim to end with questions that open the door for future contact: 

• How can I keep in touch with you?
• Can I contact you if I have any further questions?

Follow Up

Always follow up with a thank you note or email within 24 hours. Showing appreciation for someone else’s time is critical, and it will help maintain a positive relationship, potentially leading to future opportunities.

A simple, well-crafted thank-you note will include a few key elements:

• Personalized touch: this includes the person’s name and something particularly memorable or appreciated about your conversation
• Expression of gratitude: a clearly stated thank you
• Ex. Thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday. I greatly appreciate the time you took to share your insights on [specific topic].
• Interest in continued engagement: a signal that you’d like to keep the doors of opportunity open for future conversations
• Ex. I will definitely follow up on your suggestion to connect with [Person/Resource]. I look forward to updating you on how it goes.

You now have a comprehensive process for preparing for, initiating, conducting, and following up on professional networking opportunities, with key insights into cultural expectations as well.

So now I’d love to hear from you! You can share your comments/questions with me below.

If you’d like to practice, imagine:

Someone you’ve been wanting to network with. Then consider an email you might write to them. Use the strategies in today’s lesson, and share how you would invite them out for coffee.

All my best,

~ Annemarie

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