Sat next to a guy at a coffee shop who landed a gig just by talking

I was at Java Lords in Inman Park last Thursday grabbing an iced coffee before my shift. There was this guy next to me just casually chatting with someone about how his startup needed a web developer. By the time I finished my drink, the other guy had handed over his card and basically had a new client. Made me realize how many opportunities I probably miss because I keep my headphones on and don't talk to anyone at these places. Has anyone else gotten work out of just a random conversation at a coffee shop?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaronroberts2d ago

man that story about the podcast thing is EXACTLY the kind of luck I'm talking about. my cousin once walked into a barbershop complaining about how hard it was to find a good accountant for his landscaping business and the guy in the next chair over turned out to be a CPA who was looking for new clients. they literally did the handshake deal before my cousin even got his haircut finished. I swear half of business is just being in the right place at the right time with your mouth open.

lilyt232d ago

Does your friend's story involve them actually following up or did they just get the card too? I had a buddy who got hired for a whole branding project just from complaining about the same podcast to the guy next to him at a cafe.

viola_garcia562d ago

Doesn't it feel like the follow-up is the part that really makes or breaks these random coffee shop connections? I mean, I've definitely had moments where I met someone interesting and got a card, but then it sat in my wallet for weeks and by the time I reached out it felt awkward. My neighbor actually nailed a freelance gig because he overheard someone talking about needing a photographer for a wedding, introduced himself right then, and followed up the same night with a quick portfolio link. The timing matters so much, but I guess you have to be willing to just start talking in the first place.