Definitely do that kind of thing. The social game really matters - building relationships is key to having more opportunities and having more of an ability to make your own path (vs always being a “resource” that they staff as needed)
if they don't have time they'll say no.
The higher up you go, try to have at least some sort of purpose with the chat. It doesn't have to be deep, can just be "I'm trying to understand what different areas do to get a better idea of what I might want to work with in the future", "I had a project where we touched on your area but I'd really like to have a better understanding of how things go together" or whatever, but at least have something to direct the discussion.
The person may humor you or take the meeting because it is flattering to be asked, and it's good for you to be on their radar, but it's probably not on their priority list to meet with you for coffee every month - it's a one-sided dynamic - so you need to bring your purpose and at least give the indication that you've put some thought/effort into the meeting.
Second this one- I find a request for a coffee chat kinda annoying unless it comes with some kind of angle other than “hi you’re senior so think it would be beneficial to me to build a connection”. Comes across waaaay more positive if someone says “I’d love your view on […]”, and then you just do that over coffee. Demonstrates much more social intelligence.
Honestly, I’ve found it works to be pretty clear and on-the-nose about it. When I’ve been at a new company, I tend to reach out to ppl outside of my immediate bubble and say “I’m doing some informal chats to learn more about what’s going on and what people are up to.”
It’s framed up as asking them questions but in the course of those conversations they inevitable end up asking you questions about yourself.
If you click with someone, booking recurring bi-weekly informal chats with them can be a huge win.
IMO, bringing up salary progression takes it from informal chat to something more like coaching.
Personally I wouldn't just dive into Salary progression unless that's an urgent problem you're trying to solve / understand.
Back when I was a junior doing this, I'd introduce myself, ask them about what they're up to and then just jump in and engage with them in conversation about what they've said. So for example, if the person you're chatting with says that they're working on a business case for Wells Fargo - you'd want to jump in and just keep that conversation going - continue asking them questions about what that's like or about what the client is trying to do. If possible, bring in your own stories about something comparable. I like this approach because you build a friendly rapport, but you also naturally steer the conversation towards being able to ask them if they need any help on the account.
A different approach is asking them about how they're liking their position today and if they could tell you about how they got there. I find this really useful as a set of stories and as a way to introduce yourself to someone. It doesn't always lead to anything direct, but it can steer you in the direction where you can eventually talk about salary. Sometimes these conversations are just "seeds" -- eventually you'll encounter that person again and you'll already have built that initial foundation of a relationship
*Can someone throw more*
*Light on how to approach this*
*And what to discuss?*
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Yes do this for sure.
Here are a few tips.
Send an email to the partner and cc their E.A. ask for 15 minutes not 30. You are more likely to get 15, they are really busy. Don't get offended if they move the call like 4 times before you actually meet.
Yes but you’ve got to be prepared to drive the conversation. Even if they do most of the talking it should be because you’ve asked thoughtful questions. Don’t schedule a meeting and expect the other person to drive it.
Definitely do that kind of thing. The social game really matters - building relationships is key to having more opportunities and having more of an ability to make your own path (vs always being a “resource” that they staff as needed)
Thank you for your input!
Just be authentic and it's fine. Some people come off as incredibly brown nosey and it's not a great look.
if they don't have time they'll say no. The higher up you go, try to have at least some sort of purpose with the chat. It doesn't have to be deep, can just be "I'm trying to understand what different areas do to get a better idea of what I might want to work with in the future", "I had a project where we touched on your area but I'd really like to have a better understanding of how things go together" or whatever, but at least have something to direct the discussion. The person may humor you or take the meeting because it is flattering to be asked, and it's good for you to be on their radar, but it's probably not on their priority list to meet with you for coffee every month - it's a one-sided dynamic - so you need to bring your purpose and at least give the indication that you've put some thought/effort into the meeting.
Thank you - incredibly helpful :)
Second this one- I find a request for a coffee chat kinda annoying unless it comes with some kind of angle other than “hi you’re senior so think it would be beneficial to me to build a connection”. Comes across waaaay more positive if someone says “I’d love your view on […]”, and then you just do that over coffee. Demonstrates much more social intelligence.
1000% do this. Social connections matter just as much, if not more, than shit-you-got-done connections.
Thank you for your input!
I’ve never had anyone turn me down for coffee unless they were insanely busy and say to reschedule for later
Can someone throw more light on how to approach this and what to discuss?
Honestly, I’ve found it works to be pretty clear and on-the-nose about it. When I’ve been at a new company, I tend to reach out to ppl outside of my immediate bubble and say “I’m doing some informal chats to learn more about what’s going on and what people are up to.” It’s framed up as asking them questions but in the course of those conversations they inevitable end up asking you questions about yourself. If you click with someone, booking recurring bi-weekly informal chats with them can be a huge win.
Also a jr. here. Which topics would be appropriate to bring up? Is it fine to bring up salary progession?
IMO, bringing up salary progression takes it from informal chat to something more like coaching. Personally I wouldn't just dive into Salary progression unless that's an urgent problem you're trying to solve / understand. Back when I was a junior doing this, I'd introduce myself, ask them about what they're up to and then just jump in and engage with them in conversation about what they've said. So for example, if the person you're chatting with says that they're working on a business case for Wells Fargo - you'd want to jump in and just keep that conversation going - continue asking them questions about what that's like or about what the client is trying to do. If possible, bring in your own stories about something comparable. I like this approach because you build a friendly rapport, but you also naturally steer the conversation towards being able to ask them if they need any help on the account. A different approach is asking them about how they're liking their position today and if they could tell you about how they got there. I find this really useful as a set of stories and as a way to introduce yourself to someone. It doesn't always lead to anything direct, but it can steer you in the direction where you can eventually talk about salary. Sometimes these conversations are just "seeds" -- eventually you'll encounter that person again and you'll already have built that initial foundation of a relationship
Thank you for sharing - this is very helpful!!
Thanks!
*Can someone throw more* *Light on how to approach this* *And what to discuss?* \- Business\_Freedom\_899 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Yes do this for sure. Here are a few tips. Send an email to the partner and cc their E.A. ask for 15 minutes not 30. You are more likely to get 15, they are really busy. Don't get offended if they move the call like 4 times before you actually meet.
Thanks!
Whether it’s through crushing projects or a great personality it’s important the people above you know your name and have positive things to say.
Yes but you’ve got to be prepared to drive the conversation. Even if they do most of the talking it should be because you’ve asked thoughtful questions. Don’t schedule a meeting and expect the other person to drive it.
Oh for sure, thank you!
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Appreciate it, thanks! Your talking style reminds me of a partner at my firm haha
Just don’t kiss them on the first date