Serious question, I went to a coffee shop in Austin and saw something that made me rethink networking events

I was at this place called Merit Coffee on South Lamar last week, just working on my laptop. I noticed a group of three people at the next table who were clearly having a business meeting (they had a notebook open with charts and everything). What got me was how they were talking. It wasn't the usual stiff, formal talk you hear at those official chamber of commerce mixers. They were laughing, interrupting each other with ideas, and one guy even sketched something on a napkin. It hit me that the best networking I've ever seen wasn't at a planned event with name tags, it was just people connecting naturally over coffee. I used to think you had to go to those big, awkward events to meet people. Now I'm wondering if just finding a good spot to work and being open to chat is better. Has anyone else had a good connection start from just bumping into someone at a regular place?

3 comments

3 Comments

felix_hayes641mo ago

Met my best client at a library study table.

laura_allen1mo ago

Met my best client at a library study table" - that sounds way too productive for me. I once met a potential client at the library too, but I was hiding in the quiet section crying over my overdue book fees. He just wanted to borrow my calculator, and I accidentally pitched him my entire business plan while still sniffling. Honestly, if desperation had a business card, mine would be laminated and covered in tear stains by now.

richard_anderson28d agoMost Upvoted

I used to think that was crazy, but now I totally get it.