The best way to ask someone for a coffee chat on LinkedIn is to send them a personalized connection request with a brief note explaining why you’d like to connect. Mention shared connections, interests, or groups to establish common ground. Once connected, send them an InMail or message proposing a quick 20-30 minute coffee chat or phone call to learn more about their career path and industry insights. Pick a casual meeting spot convenient for them and offer flexible time options. Follow up confirming the details a few days before. During the chat, come prepared with thoughtful questions, listen attentively, and respect their time. End by thanking them and following up on any next steps discussed.
Who to Reach Out to for a Coffee Chat
When considering who to request a coffee chat with on LinkedIn, look for people in roles, companies, or industries you’re interested in learning more about. Good targets include:
- Second or third degree connections in your network
- Alumni from your university or past employers
- Leaders in your industry or niche
- Subject matter experts related to your interests
Avoid cold contacting executives or people far outside your network. Focus on those likely to remember you or value helping early career professionals.
How to Connect with Them on LinkedIn
If you aren’t already connected on LinkedIn, send them a personalized connection request:
- Mention if you have any shared connections or groups in common.
- Explain why you’d like to connect, like admiring their career path or interest in their industry.
- Make it about starting a mutually beneficial networking relationship.
Keep the initial request brief but thoughtful. People are more likely to accept if you share common ground versus vague flattery.
Crafting the Coffee Chat Request
Once connected on LinkedIn, reach out proposing a quick coffee chat:
- Send an InMail if you want the request to stand out in their inbox.
- Alternatively, send them a regular LinkedIn message.
- Explain you would love to learn about their career insights and industry over coffee.
- Suggest scheduling a 20-30 minute chat at their convenience.
Emphasize you value their time and expertise and look forward to learning from them. Offer flexible timing like before work hours or during lunch to accommodate their schedule.
Picking a Meeting Location and Time
When proposing a time and place, consider the following:
- Suggest coffee shops or cafes near their office for convenience.
- If meeting isn’t possible, offer a phone call instead.
- Provide 2-3 timeslot options on different days.
- Let them choose what works best for their calendar.
Ideally pick a quiet location without disruptions so you can hear each other. Meeting over coffee makes it more casual and comfortable versus just sitting in an office.
Confirming the Details
A few days before your coffee chat, follow up to lock in the plans:
- Confirm the time, date, location, and contact info in writing.
- Get their phone number in case you need to reach them day-of.
- Thank them again for their time and you look forward to chatting.
Following up shows you are organized. It also gives them a chance to reschedule if needed before the meeting.
Preparing Thoughtful Questions
To make the most of the limited meeting time:
- Research their career background and company ahead of time.
- Prepare 4-5 open-ended questions to foster discussion.
- Ask about their career path, lessons learned, industry advice.
- Make questions specific and tailored to them.
Thoughtful questions show you value their insights versus just asking about job prospects. Print your questions to reference during the chat.
Having an Organized, Meaningful Chat
To ensure your coffee networking goes smoothly:
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early in case you need to grab drinks.
- Greet them and make small talk to build rapport.
- Watch the time and stick to 20-30 minutes.
- Listen more than you speak to learn.
Make eye contact, actively listen, and ask engaging follow up questions. Discuss next steps, like connecting on LinkedIn. Thank them for their time and insights.
Following Up After the Coffee Chat
To continue building the relationship:
- Send a thank you message recapping your conversation.
- Connect with them on LinkedIn if you haven’t already.
- Share any useful articles or resources you discussed.
- Keep the door open to future conversations.
Add them to your network and periodically check in as your relationship develops. With a thoughtful approach, coffee chats can lead to mentorship, career advice, job leads and expanded connections over time.