This document provides guidance on how to effectively conduct and follow up on "coffee dates" which are casual face-to-face meetings aimed at exploring potential partnerships and networking opportunities. It recommends defining goals for the meeting, preparing conversation topics in advance, showing the other person you value their time, and following up after with a thank you. The overall goal of coffee dates is to expand one's network on campus and find opportunities for collaboration.
5. COFFEE DATES HELP YOU
• Expand your campus network
• Broaden reach of your group
• Diversify support of your group
• Offer new/creative programing opportunities
• Create genuine partnerships
7. CONSIDERING WHO TO TAKE
• Define your goals
• Think strategically
• What are you accomplishing by meeting with
him/her?
• Map out your campus beforehand
9. PREP WORK BEFORE MEETING
• Do you have anything in common?
• Who/what connected you?
• Think of 3 conversation topics
• What are successful outcomes of the
conversation?
18. FOLLOW UP
• Send a thank you email
• Invite on second coffee date
• Invite to group meeting
• Attend their group’s meeting
• Explore further opportunities for engagement
19. THE LATTE INITIATIVE
• Get $ to take students out to coffee
• Ask Campus Coordinator for more info