In 2019, I met with 1 person a week for coffee I didn’t know or who I fell out of touch with.

It wasn’t as easy as it sounds.

The fruits of that labor have been unbelievable. You can change your world by expanding your network.

Here are my top tips to make this happen

1. If you ask someone to coffee, meet them at their preferred coffee shop.

Sounds obvious, but you’re asking this person for a favor. The least you can do is make sure they have their preferred commute and coffee.

2. Balance the conversation. Even if you have a goal of the meeting, let them talk and listen intently. This pays off.

The real network effect isn’t people knowing you. It’s you knowing everyone.

You’ll also start to string dots together that others haven’t.

3. Be early. Don’t let not having a table or traffic delay the meeting.

I also normally buy a coffee about 5 minutes before the meeting time and text them what they want.

This saves them time when they arrive and is a clever way to make sure they show up.

4. If someone stands you up, forgive them and ask to meet again. I’m someone who hates to have my time wasted but showing empathy and forgiveness is a great first impression.

Plus, if they are a decent human they will feel like they owe you and tend to be more helpful.

5. Be aware of the time. I’ve had plenty of meetings go way long (those are great). But, I always stop with a minute or two before the 30-minute mark and let them know I’m aware of the time and tell them if I have a hard stop.

6. At the end of each meeting ask if they know anyone else you can meet with. I normally tell them I’m trying to expand my network with successful folks in the area/space. Nice way to indirect compliment them.

80% of my coffee meetings were from referrals.

7. Follow up on your commitments and send a thank you.

If you said you would make an intro, do it that day.

Always send a thank you text/email with some note that shows that you were listening.