Sign up with your email address to be the first to know about new products, VIP offers, blog features & more.

Brother Can You Spare a Dime?

I enjoy meeting new people and helping them succeed. I understand the importance of networking and when I ask someone to meet me;  I offer to buy them a cup of coffee. Two dollars is a small investment to show someone that I appreciate their time.

I am grateful that I have the time and ability to volunteer and help as many people as I can.

When people ask to meet me, say they want to ‘pick my brain’ or ask me to make introductions to my contacts and don’t even offer to buy me a cup of coffee; I take note. What kind of employee will this person make if they don’t understand common courtesy?  I am taking this post to heart. I resolve to buy more coffees in 2011 to thank all those who help me.


6 Responses
  • careersherpa
    February 2, 2011

    Deb:
    Thank you for this post! Let me thank you for the 2 (TWO) cups of coffee you have purchased for me. You do value others! Your reminder might seem trite to some, however, like you, I am often under-whelmed by those who don’t offer something small in exchange/or to show their appreciation.

    I guess we all need this gentle, straight forward reminder!

  • Deborah
    February 2, 2011

    Hannah, thanks for your comment and for your generosity on every level. You are an inspiration and I am thrilled that you are being recognized nationally for your thoughtful contribution to the development of our careers!

  • Rita Carey
    February 2, 2011

    Deb, I don’t mind the coffee purchase so much, but when I spend two hours with someone, helping them at their request, sharing my resources, and I never receive a simple email saying thanks and perhaps acknowledging that the time was worthwhile…well that gets recorded in my memory file. It happens often and among people who consider themselves professionals. When it happens with a job seeker, another type of exchange, my concern is that this person is not thanking the various contacts he/she makes in the process of getting information for their search. A big mistake!!!

  • Deborah
    February 2, 2011

    Rita, thanks for your comments. Probably the people who read this are precisely the people who don’t need it, like you! You are a kind, intelligent and generous source of inspiration. Chalk this up to our society’s lack of common courtesy… I think not. As you point out, people who consider themselves professionals need to take a step back and think. Thank you for all you do for our career development community.

  • Pam Bunt
    February 4, 2011

    Deborah, you provide so much insight to the people you work with and simply ‘run across’. And you are absolutely right – how simple but meaningful a cup of coffee is, but it’s often the simple things that we first forget. And they mean so much. Thanks for the thoughtfulness you inspire.

  • Deborah
    February 7, 2011

    Pam, thanks for the kind words. It’s good we can remind each other to make each day and each of our interactions worthwhile.

    What do you think?

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *