☕ Building community one coffee at a time…the story of Landsborough Coffee Group
Here’s how
Just before COVID hit, I read some research on being productive while WFH which said we’re more productive when we have daily social connections.
At the time I had lots of online contact running my business but little face to face social connection outside of parenting 3 kids solo. I noticed daily familiar faces at my local coffee shop. Some people seemed to eagerly seek each other’s eyes and we’d exchange a smile, even though we didn’t know each other.
🔛 Getting started
Heart pounding, I decided to ask people to join a coffee group. I put a notice in the window of the local café that said ‘Coffee and Chat, weekly 7am on a Thursday. No need to sign up. Just show up. Then, each Thursday at 7am I just stood outside the café with a coffee and talked to people who looked like they wanted
to chat.
🐶 It was a bit awkward at first. Dogs helped. They allowed us strangers to chat about the dog name. Have a pat and talk dog things.
1️⃣ Use one simple question
I developed a phrase to engage people in conversation that was open enough to spark a chat but not threatening. I simply asked, ‘how’s your week?’. Some would grunt ‘ok’ or ‘fine thanks’. Others answered with relief, and shared the worry or great news about their life that was top of mind. I continued to point to the sign in the café window and tell people ‘I’ll be here next week if you want to pop by’. Gradually the number of people grew from 1 or 2 to 10, then 15. People come and go.
😍 We all win when we build community connections
Over time, we swapped stories. Gave pep talks to each other. Listened to troubles. The mood was (and still is) always open, kind, not intrusive. And over time, bonds formed. Common interests were uncovered. And we began to help each other with needs and interests.
💐 Life blossoms when we build community connections
Activities grew as more and more people in the group found their comfort level with the weekly coffee, chat and connection. We’ve enjoyed regular Friday night work drinks on one member’s deck; garden tours of one member’s food garden; a SLAM poetry event and a BBQ and pool afternoons at others. We’ve welcomed the
friends and family of coffee group members into our weekly coffees and the number of dogs has grown – adding more life and love to the ever changing coffee sessions.
Over 3 years on, we are still meeting every Thursday at 7am.
What started as a way to improve my productivity as I WFH has become a lifeblood of my local community connection. I feel humbled and grateful for the trust and friendships which have blossomed for us all.
🙌 Create community connections – in your street, your neighbourhood, your work.
All it takes to start is a question: ‘How’s your week?’ and a listening ear. Things will grow from there.
