We have become such busy people. Our days are filled with lists a mile long and not enough time to get anything done. We are working more hours, running errands when we should be eating lunch, no time for breakfast and getting home late from work. Our weekends are even worse, filled again with errands and our children seem to have even busier schedules than we do with sports games and practices, parties and play dates. (Hey, what happened here? We just went outside and played.)

So when do we have time to meet with friends and acquaintances or foster new relationships? How many times have you said, let’s do lunch and it never happened? Not only that, I know I am not the most social person. I tend to get wrapped up in my family and work and never take the time out to see anyone unless there is some event or occasion.

Coffee is the great socializer. I believe that meeting over coffee can help to make things happen. It’s not the huge commitment and to me at least, it is more appealing than the after-work drink. Meeting over coffee can be quick. You don’t need to break the bank or the diet. It’s just a few minutes and if the meeting isn’t going well, no worries--it will be over in a few. Just say, it has been lovely but ‘gotta run!” It is also warmer and more personable than sending email.

Meeting for coffee is a great way to meet with friends you never get to see because everyone’s schedule just doesn’t permit. It can be done in your home or at any coffee shop or restaurant. The possibilities are endless because everyone serves coffee.

It can be a great way to size up a potential date. You won’t be looking at your watch or looking for a great escape.

You can meet for coffee randomly or schedule it on a regular basis. You can meet with purpose or none at all. Just think of Seinfeld.

Here are a few ideas:

-Get to know a co-worker
-Spend a few minutes with someone who seems troubled
-Get together with friends
-Have a networking meeting at the local diner
-Create a coffee club with a purpose
-Brainstorm
-Meet with relatives you don’t get to see except at weddings and funerals
-Invite a neighbor over for coffee at your house
-Stop by to see people impromptu (my Mom used to call this pop calling) and bring coffee and pastries. They are sure to forgive you for coming by unannounced.

Choose some great and convenient places to meet. Choose a meeting date. Keep it simple.

Great meeting places:

-Local diner or any restaurant
-Starbucks or any coffee shop
-Home-living room, kitchen
-Home-porch, deck