Step 6.6: Get Great At Coffee Meetings
aka “The Art of Informational Meetings”
Many of your asks will result in informational conversations - zoom calls, coffee meetings and quick chats. Here’s how to make them as effective as possible.
Let's kill the biggest myth about informational meetings: They're not casual chats. They're strategic opportunities that require military-grade preparation. Especially because people are giving you their most precious gift - their time. There are few things I hate more than making time for an informational chat with someone who is unprepared.
Here’s the formula for success:
Pre-Meeting Intelligence: Research your contact like you're being graded on it. Know their career path, recent wins, company challenges, and industry insights. Find connection points that aren't obvious from their LinkedIn profile. Your goal isn't to prove you stalked them – it's to make every minute count.
The Meeting: have a plan like this:
First few minutes: Build rapport based on your research. Not "How's the weather?" but "I saw your post about AI in supply chains – fascinating perspective."
Middle 15 minutes: Drive the conversation with precise questions. Not "Tell me about your company" but "How do you see the recent tech layoffs affecting your growth strategy?"
Final 5 minutes: The power close. Have a specific, prepared ask that they can actually help with. Not "Keep me in mind for opportunities" but "Would you be willing to introduce me to Sarah in your Product team?"
Post-Meeting Execution: Send a same-day thank you note that proves you listened. Reference specific insights they shared. Include any resources you promised. Then outline clear next steps you'll take based on their advice.
The Follow-Up: Create value for them within two weeks. Share an article relevant to your conversation. Make an introduction they'd value. Show them their time investment is paying dividends.
Remember: The market rewards those who make it easy for others to help them. Especially when you help others.
Your Playbook for every meeting:
Research deep. Every time.
Prepare to ask sharp, thoughtful questions.
Listen hard.
Follow up fast.
Add value always.
The difference between a coffee chat and a career opportunity is how seriously you take it. What's your next informational meeting? And more importantly, how will you make it count?