“Chili’s is the new golf course.” – Michael Scott, Small Business Man. (Well, he submitted it). As I hop from coffee shop to coffee shop, not only do I see a lot of mothers with their babies, old men reading the paper and talking sports, Bible studies and work meetings, but I see a lot of business getting done.
It seems that coffee shops are the preferred place of business for salespeople. If they can buy you a Mocha and a bagel, then you may be more willing to sign on the bottom line. I’ve overheard discussions about real estate, health insurance, life insurance, their 401k rollover and many more. I’ve seen salesman pedal a step in shower and all kinds of products.
I was in sales for a while, but I quickly got out because I am not a salesperson. I do highly respect the salesman though. One person in particular that I admired was Bruce Etherington. He is one of the world’s most lucrative financial planners, and I got to have a lunch with him. One of his famous lines was how could a prospect me mad at you when he is eating a sandwich that you bought him. It’s true! It’s a cheap gift. The prospect knows it’s coming, but when you are sipping down that latte, it’s hard to say no. Next time you are at a coffee shop, check it out for yourself.
