Use this guide to help you craft messages and questions to get the most out of your coffee chats.
1. Clarify your purpose
Decide what you hope to gain from this conversation. Clear goals keeps the chat focused. Pick up to 3:
2. Choose the right person
Look through your network or ask for warm introductions to find someone whose experience genuinely interests you. Use Happenstance.ai to search your connections.
Generate a search phrase to enter into Happenstance
3. Craft a friendly invitation
Send a concise note via email or LinkedIn that explains who you are, why you'd like to meet, and how little time it will take.
4. Offer convenient times
Suggest several time slots so they can simply pick one that works best.
Example time slots:
- - Mon 7/18 3-5pm
- - Next Tues-Thurs anything 10am-1pm
- - Fri 7/22 2-4pm
- - Any day next week 9am-11am
Copy this into your response:
5. Confirm the details
Once they reply, confirm the meeting time, location or video link, and thank them for agreeing to chat.
Copy this into your response:
6. Prepare thoughtful questions
Write down a few open‑ended questions about their role, career path, and any advice they might have for you.
7. Have a friendly, time-conscious chat
Start with brief introductions and light small talk to break the ice. Listen actively so the conversation flows naturally, but glance at the clock now and then to ensure you wrap up on schedule and leave them with a warm thank you.
If appropriate, wrap up the conversation with explicitly asking for an introduction to three other people in the role/field you are exploring.
8. Send a follow‑up note
Thank them within 24 hours, mention one or two insights you found valuable, and offer to keep in touch.
9. Nurture the relationship
Periodically share updates or helpful articles so your connection grows beyond a single coffee chat.