I recently stumbled upon a New York Times bestselling book entitled, "How Starbucks Changed My Life". The actor Tom Hanks has plans to produce and star in the film version. I've always believed that Hanks has a keen sense for choosing successful films, so when I heard about his interest in this book, it caused me to research a little more in depth for two reasons.
First, Starbucks has a strong sentimental spot in my heart. Why? Because on a cold December morning back in 2007, I set up a coffee meeting (to build relationships one at a time) with an acquaintance who works at Northwestern Mutual. Jason Plunkett had been courting me to become a client for the past few years and I wasn't ready to sign on the dotted line. Fortunately Jason's persistence to maintain a relationship dramatically impacted my life.
After finishing up the normal small chat, I mentioned to Jason that our company was looking for a strong sales rep to come aboard. With no hesitation, he passed on his card with a contact name written on the back. Jason reffered a client of his who was looking to make a career change. I gave the card to our sales manager and a few months later the contact was hired. As a side note, I had no part in the hiring of this rep and knew nothing more than Jason making a personal recommendation.
Much to my surprise, the contact (Jackie) became my wife a few years later! So it's true, Starbucks changed my life forever. Ultimately I knew God has HIS hand in this particular event but I am truly thankful it played out this way.
The second reason falls in line with building a network and how commonly Starbucks is used to connect. I typically arrange 3-4 coffee meetings per week to help establish a network. A majority of my book of business at Morales Group has come about from "planting seeds" every morning with a potential business contact. You've got to create a community of colleagues and friends before you need it. Whether professionally or in my case personally.
So the next time you have a chance to meet up for coffee at Starbucks, don't hesistate to put it down on the calendar. Start gardening now. You won't believe the treasures to be found within your own backyard when you hang out at Starbucks.
First, Starbucks has a strong sentimental spot in my heart. Why? Because on a cold December morning back in 2007, I set up a coffee meeting (to build relationships one at a time) with an acquaintance who works at Northwestern Mutual. Jason Plunkett had been courting me to become a client for the past few years and I wasn't ready to sign on the dotted line. Fortunately Jason's persistence to maintain a relationship dramatically impacted my life.
After finishing up the normal small chat, I mentioned to Jason that our company was looking for a strong sales rep to come aboard. With no hesitation, he passed on his card with a contact name written on the back. Jason reffered a client of his who was looking to make a career change. I gave the card to our sales manager and a few months later the contact was hired. As a side note, I had no part in the hiring of this rep and knew nothing more than Jason making a personal recommendation.
Much to my surprise, the contact (Jackie) became my wife a few years later! So it's true, Starbucks changed my life forever. Ultimately I knew God has HIS hand in this particular event but I am truly thankful it played out this way.
The second reason falls in line with building a network and how commonly Starbucks is used to connect. I typically arrange 3-4 coffee meetings per week to help establish a network. A majority of my book of business at Morales Group has come about from "planting seeds" every morning with a potential business contact. You've got to create a community of colleagues and friends before you need it. Whether professionally or in my case personally.
So the next time you have a chance to meet up for coffee at Starbucks, don't hesistate to put it down on the calendar. Start gardening now. You won't believe the treasures to be found within your own backyard when you hang out at Starbucks.
