Quite a few businesses spend time at Starbucks for the purpose of meetings, client interaction, or taking a break from the daily grind. Starbucks has added benefits to this by offering free WiFi to their customers so that it has become a popular business location. Free Internet access at Starbucks is available at over 11,000 locations, so more and more workers are starting to use this coffee shop as a business hub.
However, if you're interested in making your local Starbucks a second office, you should always visit the same location. This will make it easier for your business contacts to find you if you need to have a quick meeting or connection. In the same manner, it is also important to learn the names of all of the baristas that are helping with you, including making conversation with them. This will build lasting relationships so that you feel more comfortable at your Starbucks office. In the same way, share your business news and updates with the baristas so that they have a greater understanding of why you are there and what your business is all about.
That being said, don't be a freeloader! If you spend several hours a day conducting business at Starbucks, make sure to make a purchase at least three times a day. When you do buy something, make sure that you tip well at a minimum of $10 per day so that the employees don't see you as a nuisance. As you begin to get comfortable in your Starbucks office, try to keep your belongings to yourself. It is important not to spread out over too much area because it could be rude and take up the space of other customers.
To have a more private experience, you can wear headphones to cut out noise and conversation in the background. It is also important to be equally polite to other customers and workers in Starbucks by turning your cell phone on vibrate and stepping out of the store for any conversations that you need to make. If you do have a meeting at your Starbucks office, make sure that the number of people that you are meeting with is fewer than four so that you can all sit at a single table.
There is no problem with working at Starbucks, especially since they offer customers the convenience of unlimited WiFi. However, there are rules of conduct to follow so that you have the best experience, are kind to all of the baristas, and can encourage a healthy atmosphere for everyone else working at Starbucks. As a rule of thumb, consider the atmosphere of Starbucks to be like a library where it is important to be quiet, respectful, and keep to yourself. This will give you the best experience in working away from home, and you get to enjoy a delicious cup of Joe anytime you like to boot!