Networking & Career / Following Up After Events / Lesson 07

LESSON 07 · FOLLOWING UP AFTER EVENTS

Suggest a Coffee or a Call

Eighteen easy tips to suggest a coffee or a call, so a nice chat becomes a real friendship.

A small invite is easy to accept. Make it simple.

25 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

25 tips that really help

These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman), Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why a coffee or call works

Short meetings feel low risk. A coffee or call lets two people talk properly and build a stronger link.

TRY THIS
Invite one.

TIP 2

Choose a short plan

Twenty to thirty minutes is enough. Short meetings are easier to accept.

TRY THIS
Keep it short.

TIP 3

Offer two choices

Give two times or two options such as a coffee or a call. Choices feel kind.

TRY THIS
Offer two.

TIP 4

Pick an easy place

Choose a location near them. Convenience shows care.

TRY THIS
Choose near them.

TIP 5

Say why you would like to meet

Say, I would love to hear more about your work. A reason makes the invite feel real.

TRY THIS
Add a reason.

TIP 6

Offer to pay

If it is a coffee, offer to treat. It is a small thank you for their time.

TRY THIS
Offer to treat.

TIP 7

Be flexible

Adjust to their schedule. Flexibility shows respect.

TRY THIS
Be flexible.

TIP 8

Confirm the day before

A short reminder prevents missed meetings. Keep it friendly.

TRY THIS
Send a reminder.

TIP 9

Script: coffee invite

Would you like to grab a coffee next week? Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: call invite

Would a quick fifteen-minute call suit you? Say it kindly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: confirm

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at ten. Say it brightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: being vague

Maybe sometime is hard to answer, so give two options.

TRY THIS
Be specific.

TIP 13

Mistake: planning too long

Long meetings feel heavy, so keep it short.

TRY THIS
Keep short.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when they say they are busy

Offer a call or ask when a good time might be. Stay kind.

TRY THIS
Stay kind.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when they cancel

Reply with, no problem, and offer a new date. Be gracious.

TRY THIS
Offer a new date.

TIP 16

Drill: invite one person this week

Send one coffee or call invite to a new contact.

TRY THIS
Invite one.

TIP 17

Drill: write an invite template

Write a three-line invite and save it.

TRY THIS
Write it.

TIP 18

Offer two dates

Choose a day this week or next. Choices feel kind.

TRY THIS
Offer two dates.

TIP 19

Be ready for a polite no

Say, no worries, another time. Keep it warm.

TRY THIS
Stay kind.

TIP 20

Example: the coffee ask

Would you like to have coffee next Tuesday or Thursday? Twenty minutes is plenty.

TRY THIS
Use the line.

TIP 21

Example: the call ask

Would a short call on Friday morning suit you?

TRY THIS
Use the line.

TIP 22

Mistake: asking for a long meeting

Long meetings frighten people. Keep it brief.

TRY THIS
Keep it short.

TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when they never answer

Wait ten days and try once more. Then let it rest.

TRY THIS
Try once more.

TIP 24

Drill: send one coffee invite today

Send an invite to a warm contact.

TRY THIS
Send it.

TIP 25

Suggest a place that is easy for them to reach

Choosing a cafe near their office or home shows respect for their time and makes saying yes much easier.

TRY THIS
Check the distance.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

INVITE

“Would you like to grab a coffee?”

TIME

“How about Thursday at ten?”

PLACE

“There is a cafe near your office.”

EASY

“Or a quick call if that is easier.”

THANKS

“Thank you for considering.”

CLOSE

“Looking forward to it.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Pick the plan

DAY 2
Pick two times

DAY 3
Pick the place

DAY 4
Send the invite

DAY 5
Confirm a day before

DAY 6
Be on time

DAY 7
Say thanks

Further reading

• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman)
• Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.