I love networking. I once worked with a business partner who thought that casual LinkedIn coffee dates and networking virtual meetings were a waste of my time and efforts. I couldn’t quite shake the logic, since when executed correctly, informal coffee dates had helped me build my past businesses, and opportunities (including the one where I had met them).

It’s easy to dismiss a LinkedIn invitation or a slide in the DMs for a casual coffee or virtual as a even a waste of time. A lot of people do! But, if you’re consistently turning down opportunities, you could be missing out on key connections, new clients, and fresh perspectives that fuel your success. Here’s why you should reconsider and start saying yes to those networking coffee invites.

1. Networking is the Lifeblood of Career Growth for Entrepreneurs

Whether you're a marketing consultant, entrepreneur, or professional looking to expand your reach, your reputation and growth depend heavily on relationships. Unlike a traditional job where your paycheck is consistent, professional growth thrives on an ever-growing network. You never know when a casual conversation will lead to a high-value client, a strategic partnership, or an unexpected referral (shout out – you know who you are). The business world is interconnected, and word-of-mouth referrals often come from the most unexpected places.

Real-World Example: A consultant specializing in brand building (it’s me) once met a content strategist for coffee, expecting a simple chat about industry trends and tech stacks. That conversation turned into a referral to a major food brand looking for rebranding services, resulting in a five-figure contract. The takeaway? Every meeting is a potential opportunity. Do all trees produce juicy fruits? Heck no! That’s why I encourage you to: follow-up, share resources, and connect on LinkedIn. Long-term vibes. Don’t be a gatekeeper.

2. Staying Relevant in an Ever-Changing Industry

Industries evolve rapidly—algorithms change (we’re looking at you Instagram), consumer behaviors shift, and new platforms emerge. Engaging in regular conversations with industry peers helps you stay ahead of trends that may not yet be widely discussed in blogs or webinars. These informal coffee dates often turn into knowledge exchanges, where you learn firsthand about innovative tactics, emerging technologies, and industry shifts that keep you competitive.

Pro Tip: Instead of approaching these meetings as purely self-serving, make it a point to exchange insights. Ask about new tools they’re using, recent challenges they’ve overcome, and what’s working in their field of expertise. One of my favorite things to do, following a causal coffee meet or virtual, is check out the person’s work! Again, broken record here, connect with them on LinkedIn (oh, hay).

3. Nurture Your Personal Brand

Professionals often spend their energy building brands for their companies but neglect their own personal brand. Meeting with professionals from diverse backgrounds adds credibility and visibility to your expertise. Whether it’s a business owner, a recruiter, or a fellow industry leader, every conversation you have helps reinforce your position as a thought leader. I absolutely love talking to non-profit directors, and other industries who could use support in their marketing departments, but there is no budget line. Sharing expertise with worthwhile causes is fundamentally fulfilling. Add that to your feel-good bucket!

A well-maintained network leads to more speaking opportunities (like this one a few years back), podcast invitations, guest blog features, and even job offers. People recommend those they know and trust, and trust is built over repeated interactions… not just a LinkedIn connection.

4. Pass it on!

Sometimes, the most valuable opportunities aren’t the ones you actively seek. Maybe the person you meet for coffee can’t hire you, but their colleague, friend, or client might be. Every meeting expands your second-degree network, increasing the likelihood that your business or industry will be mentioned when someone needs your expertise.

5. Refining Your Pitch and Value Prop

Every networking opportunity is a chance to refine how you present yourself and your services, and practice makes perfect! Explaining what you do and why it matters in a one-on-one setting forces you to articulate your value proposition clearly. Over time, you’ll notice what resonates with people, what sparks interest, and what falls flat. This real-time feedback helps you craft a stronger elevator pitch, which is invaluable when speaking to potential clients or employers.

6. Learning About Your Ideal Clients' Pain Points

One of the biggest advantages of informal meetings is gaining insights into the challenges businesses and professionals face. These conversations can uncover pain points you hadn’t considered and allow you to tailor your services accordingly. If multiple people mention struggling with the same issue—whether it's lead generation, content distribution, or conversion optimization—you can position yourself as the go-to expert for that specific problem.

Actionable Tip: Keep notes after meetings to track recurring themes in the challenges people mention. Over time, you’ll see patterns emerge that can shape your service offerings and messaging.

7. Expanding Beyond the Clique

When you work in a particular industry, it’s easy to get trapped in an echo chamber of like-minded professionals. If I see one more article highlighting the same ideas, I may scream. Meeting people from different industries or with varying levels of experience helps broaden perspectives. The best strategies often come from cross-industry inspiration—learning how a SaaS startup optimizes customer retention could inspire a fresh approach for a direct-to-consumer brand you’re consulting. Lighting strikes!

8. The Serendipity Factor

Some of the most successful professionals can trace their career-defining moments back to a simple meet-n’-greet. Maybe the person sitting across from you has an idea that sparks your next big project. Perhaps they know an investor who funds innovative ideas. Or maybe they’re just an interesting person who becomes a valuable friend in the industry. The beauty of networking is that the payoff isn’t always immediate, but it’s often meaningful – if you make it. Follow up, kids!

9. Overcoming the “Too Busy” Mentality

Ugh, I hate this one. We make time for the things that matter. Make time for the ideas and connections that have potential. One of the most common objections professionals have to networking is time. However, let’s reframe this: If a one-hour coffee chat could lead to a five-figure client, a strategic collaboration, or a valuable insight that sharpens your expertise, is it really a waste of time? Not every meeting will yield immediate results, but over time, these interactions compound into meaningful career advancements.

Time Management Hack: If you’re worried about efficiency, set a rule for yourself: No more than two coffee meetings per week, and each meeting has a specific purpose (knowledge exchange, potential partnership, industry insight, etc.). My personal rule is one a week, as a solopreneur. Does that mean I book out into the following month? Sure does! Also, I hope you’re time blocking.

10. It’s Fun to Like Your Co-worker

At the end of the day, success—whether in marketing, consulting, or entrepreneurship—is about relationships. People work with those they trust, recommend those they enjoy talking to, and refer business to those who have made a good impression. An intro call or coffee date isn’t just about business; it’s about human connection. The more authentic relationships you build, the stronger your career will be. Promise.

In the End…

Your success depends on your ability to connect, learn, and adapt. That networking coffee date might not result in an immediate business deal, but it could be the first step toward a future opportunity that transforms your career. So the next time you get an invitation, take a moment before you dismiss it. Say yes, grab the coffee, and see where the conversation takes you.

What’s Next Find two people you’ve admired through socials, through their business or LinkedIn and send them a note! Start connecting. Some will answer, others won’t. Start somewhere. Let’s get to it!