Networking & Career / Maintaining Your Network / Lesson 04

LESSON 04 · MAINTAINING YOUR NETWORK

Meet for Coffee or a Walk

Eighteen easy tips to meet for coffee or a walk, so friendships and work links grow in real life.

Face to face builds trust. Keep it simple.

26 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

26 tips that really help

These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), Give and Take (Adam Grant), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why real meetings matter

Meeting in person builds deeper trust than messages. A coffee or walk gives space for real talk.

TRY THIS
Plan one.

TIP 2

Choose a low-pressure plan

Coffee, tea or a walk. Simple plans feel easy to accept.

TRY THIS
Keep it easy.

TIP 3

Offer two choices

Give two days or two plans. Choices give them control.

TRY THIS
Offer two.

TIP 4

Pick a convenient place

Choose a place close to them if you can. Convenience shows care.

TRY THIS
Choose near them.

TIP 5

Confirm the day before

A short reminder prevents confusion. Keep it friendly.

TRY THIS
Confirm.

TIP 6

Arrive a few minutes early

Calm arrival helps you start well. Be ready to greet them.

TRY THIS
Come early.

TIP 7

Put your phone away

Giving full attention is the best gift. Keep it in your bag.

TRY THIS
Phone away.

TIP 8

Offer to pay or share the bill

A small treat shows thanks. Offer politely.

TRY THIS
Offer to treat.

TIP 9

Script: invite

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

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: confirm

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

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: thanks

Thank you for making time, it meant a lot to me. Say it sincerely.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: being vague

Maybe sometime rarely happens, so name a day.

TRY THIS
Name a day.

TIP 13

Mistake: planning too much

Too many plans feel heavy, so keep it light.

TRY THIS
Keep it light.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when plans change

Be flexible and offer a new time. Stay kind.

TRY THIS
Be flexible.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you feel nervous

Prepare two questions and breathe. Nerves ease once you start.

TRY THIS
Prepare questions.

TIP 16

Drill: invite one person this month

Invite one person to coffee or a walk and put it in your calendar.

TRY THIS
Invite one.

TIP 17

Drill: make a place list

List five easy places to meet near you.

TRY THIS
List five.

TIP 18

Bring a small gift sometimes

A small treat can be sweet. Keep it simple.

TRY THIS
Bring something.

TIP 19

Example: the monthly coffee

Jon and Ana met monthly for coffee. Their careers grew side by side.

TRY THIS
Set a monthly date.

TIP 20

Example: the walk and talk

Mei walked with a mentor each quarter. Ideas flowed.

TRY THIS
Try a walk.

TIP 21

Troubleshoot: when schedules clash

Offer a video call and a future date.

TRY THIS
Offer both.

TIP 22

Pick a restaurant or cafe with quiet corners

A quiet space helps you hear each other and talk about real things, so check the noise level before you suggest it.

TRY THIS
Check reviews.

TIP 23

Ask what they would enjoy before you plan

Asking whether they prefer coffee, tea or a walk shows respect for their taste and makes them feel included.

TRY THIS
Ask first.

TIP 24

Put your phone on silent during the meeting

A silent phone tells your guest that they matter, and it helps both of you relax and listen properly.

TRY THIS
Silence it.

TIP 25

End by planning the next small step

Before you part, suggest one small next step, such as sharing a link or meeting again, so the bond keeps moving.

TRY THIS
Plan a step.

TIP 26

Follow up with a thank-you message within a day

A short message the next day telling them what you enjoyed will leave a lasting warm memory.

TRY THIS
Send it tomorrow.

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 walk and talk?”

TIME

“Saturday morning at ten?”

PLACE

“There is a nice park nearby.”

EASY

“Or coffee if you prefer.”

THANKS

“Thank you for making time.”

CLOSE

“Let us do this again.”

Your first week

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

DAY 1
Pick a plan

DAY 2
Offer two options

DAY 3
Choose a place

DAY 4
Confirm

DAY 5
Arrive early

DAY 6
Listen well

DAY 7
Thank them

Further reading

• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• Give and Take (Adam Grant)
• Platonic (Marisa Franco)

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.