7 Steps To A GREAT Coffee Chat
ARE YOU AN ATHLETE STARTING TO TRANSITION TO LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL?
Seeing yourself outside of football can be scary but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you make the transition.
Find Your People; Make a list of 20-40 people to reach out to within your target industry; try to find alumni and people who have graduated within the past 5 years - these people are more likely to empathize with your current situation and want to help.
Pay attention to former football players, there is already a connection.
Reach Out; Your message should be brief, 2-4 sentences maximum. Don’t mention job opportunities. Briefly explain why you are interested in talking to them. Ask for a 15-30 minute conversation in the medium you prefer: in person, over the phone, or skype. If you don’t hear back from them, send a follow-up message one week after your initial message, acknowledging they are likely busy and asking if now is a better time to connect. A typical response rate is 25%, so don’t take it personal if not everyone gets back to you.
Your Goals + Your Questions; What do you want to get out of your coffee chat? What questions will help you get there? Select 5-10 question to bring into the interview.
Etiquette; Professional etiquette is very important during a coffee chat. Be respectful of the other person: be on time, ask how much time they have to chat with you, and dress professionally.
Ask The Questions; Have your 5-10 questions but allow for the natural flow of conversation. Start with easy questions to break the ice and build rapport. Then, ask the questions that will give you insight and advice related to your goals and coffee chat. Finally, ask about your recommendations for next steps, who else you should talk to and resources you can access. Express gratitude.
Follow-Up Within 48 Hours; Say thank you and mention what you got out of the conversation. One of the biggest mistakes students make is not following up after a coffee chat. Send a thank you message !
Keep The Connection Warm; Reach out to your contacts 1-3 times a year. Once you’ve made a professional connection, don’t lose the connection ! A few times a year, reach out to keep in touch and stay on their radar. I.e., update them on how you have followed-up on resources they recommended, and how your next steps have gone.
