In today’s interconnected world, networking has transcended physical boundaries. Platforms like LinkedIn have become the modern-day social media platform where professionals gather to exchange ideas, seek opportunities, and foster meaningful connections. Among the plethora of networking techniques, the art of mastering coffee chats on LinkedIn stands out as a powerful tool for building relationships and advancing careers.
I will go more in-depth into what I learned from utilizing coffee chats in the business and entrepreneurship world. Hint: it was a success! Specifically for marketing, I learned that connections are everything and you need to utilize your network, but you should not be afraid to create opportunities for yourself if your network is still small.
Let’s delve into the nuances of this practice and uncover the secrets to brewing success one chat at a time.
My Personal Success
Imagine this: It’s a brisk afternoon in Binghamton, and I find myself immersed in my LinkedIn feed, navigating through a sea of updates and connection requests. Amidst the activity, one post stands out—a notification about the new interns for the Spring 2024 Marketing/PR Internship. This was a role I had applied for but for the upcoming summer. As a junior in college, securing an internship was paramount to shaping my future trajectory. With an interview lined up for this company, I felt compelled to seek insights from one of the current interns in the post. After all, who better to offer firsthand experience than someone already immersed in the role?
Even with a 1% chance that I would get a response, I took a leap of faith. I reached out to Ping, one of the interns, proposing a brief 10-15-minute coffee chat to gain insights into the position. To my surprise, Ping responded promptly, agreeing to the conversation.
The following day, I found myself engaged in a virtual coffee chat with Ping. What started as a quick meeting, extended into an amazing 30-minute conversation, surpassing our initial commitment. This was purely because we discovered how in sync we were in our career paths, but also because her being a year older and living near my hometown was a great conversation starter. During our chat, we delved into the details of her role, her personal journey, and invaluable insights into the interview process. Ping generously shared her experiences, providing me with insider tips for the interview process, such as the exact questions the interviewers would ask me. Thanks to her guidance, I entered subsequent interviews armed with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect, considering I hadn’t been aware of the multiple rounds involved until our conversation. Ping wished she had a mentor when applying to internships and only accepted my coffee chat invitation because she wanted to use her experience and help others.
Yet, beyond the professional advice, our connection surpassed traditional, formal networking. Ping swiftly transitioned from a mentor to a cherished friend, enriching not only my professional network but also my personal life. This shows that anyone can have coffee chats and yes, they do serve a purpose. The transformative power of genuine connections forged over a virtual “cup of coffee” can be a foot in the door.
The Recipe To A Successful Coffee Chat
Mastering coffee chats on LinkedIn requires a blend of strategy, authenticity, and genuine interest in others. As you embark on your networking journey, keep the following ingredients in mind:
- Authenticity: Be true to yourself and genuine in your interactions. Authenticity breeds trust and lays the foundation for lasting connections. They are human too, and chances are, if they accept the coffee chat, they want to offer you help
- Curiosity: Approach each chat with a curious mindset. Ask thoughtful questions and avoid asking straightforward questions like: “How did you get the job?” or “What opportunities can you provide me?”.
- Preparation: Do your homework before each chat. Research the individual’s background, interests, and recent accomplishments to tailor your conversation accordingly. Use this time to find a connection between the professional and yourself.
- Follow-up: Don’t let the conversation end with the last sip of coffee. Follow up with a personalized message expressing gratitude for the chat and reiterating your interest in staying connected.
- Pay It Forward: Networking is a two-way street. Be proactive in offering support, sharing resources, and connecting with others within your network.
Example LinkedIn Message:
Dear _______ ,
I am a Binghamton University junior majoring in English and considering a career in marketing. I have been researching different roles within the industry in hopes of helping me identify what experiences I should focus on applying to.
I came across your profile on LinkedIn when I was searching for alumni who also studied English and are currently marketing professionals. I noticed your amazing accomplishments at the university, focusing on marketing for the career services department. I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to learn more about your role at XYZ company and your path. Therefore I’m wondering if you would be willing to do a coffee chat for 15-20 minutes within the next two weeks? I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate any help you can offer!
Best Regards,
Your Name
More Tips:
- Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date. Have a professional photo uploaded (not your high school graduation photo), and any other updates you have (e.g., a new job, a new certification, an event you attended).
- Not all professionals will reply, but it is best to message them within business hours, Monday to Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. Also, give them a grace period to reply. If it passes a week, try to send a follow-up message.
- To find people to network with, Click here for the Binghamton University LinkedIn Page. Go to the Alumni section and filter your search by narrowing down which fields you are interested in.
- We have an extensive Binghamton alumni network, and they were students just like you. They are more than willing to share advice and get your career going.
- Coffee Chats will not harm you in any way so shoot your shot!
- Find more resources for LinkedIn help at the Fleishman Center.
