Shawnee Love   •  
November 24, 2011

I have always considered myself fortunate to have the chance to participate in coffee groups. Also known as Roundtables, Meetups, Special Interest Groups, Forums, and Communities of Practice, they all are groups whose members have common interests and activities and meet regularly to:

• Share challenges, successes, and mistakes,
• Ask for advice, opinions, or ideas,
• Discuss cutting edge concepts,
• Collaboratively and collegially support each other, and
• Learn & grow.

Most of the groups I have been a part of have included people from a variety of companies (and often included direct competitors). We shared because we knew that

“a rising tide raises all boats”.

Trade secrets and confidential information were never touched, but we often talked about how we made progress, good service providers, and tools to make everyone’s life easier.

Meetups can also be successful within an organization where the worry of competitors and confidentiality mostly disappears.  Imagine a company where everyone with any relationship or interest in marketing gets together voluntarily to talk about marketing. Business challenges can be shared and solved, brainstorming sessions can generate new opportunities, and most importantly, learning and growth happens organically without being stymied by levels, status, seniority, etc.

The advent of social media has meant talented individuals are spontaneously meeting and discussing ideas all the time, but don’t underestimate the power of coffee and cookies to create a powerful internal networking and learning centre in your company, all for a great price.