What is a Virtual Coffee?
What is a Virtual Coffee?
Virtual Coffees are the fastest way to get connected to the women who can help you grow your business, faster.
WHY SHOULD I SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL COFFEE?
A Virtual Coffee is a super-low commitment way to find out if there’s potential for a more long term or deeper relationship.
WHAT MAKES A VIRTUAL COFFEE UNIQUE?
Meeting at a coffee shop is time-consuming (and could be “unsafe” nowadays), limits you to women in your area, expensive, involves driving - and worse, putting on shoes.
A Virtual Coffee is a 15-minute Zoom (or video conference of your choice) that can be done back-to-back, doesn’t require shoes (or even pants), and costs you nothing other than 5 mins to prep, 15 mins to complete, and 10 mins for a post-call wrap-up... for a whopping total 30 mins of your day.
HOW DO YOU FIND SOMEONE TO HAVE A VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH?
Head over to the Member Dashboard and open the Member Directory. Browse by industry and check out 5-10 profiles of women who look interesting. Be sure to follow them on Facebook or Instagram so you can gradually get to know them and find out if they’re someone you should reach out to. Make a note somewhere to do this once a week. Then begin setting up one 15 min virtual coffee every 1-2 weeks with a woman who stands out to you.
WHO SHOULD I INVITE TO A VIRTUAL COFFEE?
Make a list of the things you’re working on and what you need to propel them forward. You may need to build brand awareness through more Instagram followers or connect with speakers for your podcast. Maybe you need to find places to contribute your content (blogs/newsletters) or spaces to hold an event. Or, do you just need a warm introduction to a mentor, press contact, or business? Select women who you think can help, but don’t stop there. Spend 10 mins on her LinkedIn, Facebook Page, or Instagram account to brainstorm a few ways you can help her return. This could be as simple as:
> If I write you a review, will you write me one?
> I’ll give you [feedback on your website, help to brainstorm ideas] in exchange for [a feature in your email newsletter, on your social media]
To summarize, know what you plan to ask for and what you can offer in return.
WHAT SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT?
I’m so glad you asked! This part is really important. It can be useful to connect with other women just for fun, but let’s be honest - we’re all busy. So, it’s best to make it count. Click here for our Step-by-Step Virtual Coffee Agenda >
There are 5 main categories of help you can offer:
People (the most powerful!)
Potential clients/customers
Someone that you know who needs their product or service
Press/Influencers/Leaders/Bloggers/Podcasters
Someone who has a platform that reaches other people
Experts/Thought Leaders
Someone who has access to the knowledge they need
Connectors
Someone who is directly connected to a group of people who need their product or service (e.g., an HR Director at a large company or Organization Leader)
Knowledge (how to)
Manage your team using Asana, recruit sponsors, build a sales funnel, pitch to press, etc.
Tips & Tricks
Time blocking, “pay yourself first,” the 5-second rule -- any gold nugget that you’ve learned that might help her too
Recommendations
CRM to use, group to join, a podcast to listen to, course to take, books to read, etc.
Ongoing Support
Perhaps the easiest, but most overlooked is agreeing to be an ongoing supporter. This could mean sending her a message with encouraging words, liking/sharing/tagging her posts, or writing her a review on her Facebook page. These are the little ones that really add up when you have 8-10 women in your corner cheering you on.
QUICK TIPS
X Don’t over-promise. While you may be tempted by compassion for your newfound friend, pick 1-2 easy things you can complete in the 15 mins following the chat.
X Don’t let small talk derail you. While you might find a lot in common (cats, tea, The Office, etc.), be clear and upfront about your objective so you don’t waste valuable time you could spend digging deeper and finding meaningful ways to support one another.
X The most important thing to remember is that your goal is not to connect with every woman. Your goal is to connect with women who believe what you believe. When your values are aligned, helping each other becomes easy. If it feels forced or awkward, agree to something small, like following each other on Instagram, and move on.
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