If, like me, you start your entrepreneurial day with a cappuccino, or in my case a hot chocolate, in your favourite local coffee shop, then you are part of a growing global trend of coffee shop entrepreneurs who use this relaxed environment to network, brainstorm or just work quietly amongst other like-minded entrepreneurial souls.
There is something comforting in the morning ritual of going to a place where everyone recognises you, many know your name and what you do, you know the staff who make your coffee by name, and there is a common bond of friendship and a recognition that the life of an entrepreneur is unique. My local Seattle Coffee Shop is an example of a place that embraces the entrepreneur and creates an ambiance that is friendly, welcoming and encourages people to meet, talk, and share entrepreneurial stories and experiences - often business between fellow coffee loving entrepreneurs is also done. One recent morning, whilst discussing Lionesses of Africa and the news and feature writing plan for the day, my comforting mug of hot chocolate was delivered to me by my ever-smiling barrista Brian, complete with a lioness design in the foam. It was a small gesture but it made my morning and reminded me that sometimes the small things in life are the best.