I've done it and it actually works... best way to do it is to print out a sheet (on your snazzy new color printer with the refillable toner) that has the KW logo across it, laminate it and then attach it to the top of your laptop so that when you are sitting there working on the WiFi people walking into the shop see the sign and can chat with you while you work and enjoy your latte!  Also don't forget to wear your name tag! :)

Todd, one other piece of advice is that if you plan to sit there for 3 hours drinking coffee I would recommend switching to decaf at some point so you don't become that realtor in the manic frenzy! :)

I have used my laptop before in a nearby Mcdonalds. I kind of hid in a corner and kept to myself. I like your idea of making yourself accessible to potential clients. I am going to give it a try.

It sure beats paying rent at an office!

Todd

Make sure you are spending money in there. I'm sure if you have a sign up they will want you to start paying rent. 

Todd, 

   I almost always work from a Coffee house or some other cafe'. Here in Del Ray I have St. Elmo's or Star-bucks.I'll also work from the local bistros at lunch. If the table is needed I don't camp out and I always leave a nice tip. I always get at-least two people come by to chat about the housing market. I find the only time I work from my home office is when I need to print or when the laundry is piling up.

I myself am a Panera Bread girl.  I can get soooo much done in an hour, it's scary!  Probably because there are no little kids running in and yelling "Mom...I need (fill in the blank)". 

Never thought about working the social aspect...good idea!  I do, however, overhear lots of interesting conversations.  Perhaps I'll add some signage to the back of my laptop.

Todd, I have'nt actually done that, however it does sound better than sitting in the office or being skunked at an open house. Maybe I will try it and let you know.

Hey Todd, That is a fantastic idea.  Plus you can work on your blogs for AR so you can knock me out of my spot. Ha!  Keep us posted on how this works and if you get any potential clients.

Todd

Sounds good now all I have to do is drive a couple hours to a place that has wifi and try it.

Nah, Gary.

There all over the place.  Just gotta know where to look.

Ya got five Panera breads within 20 miles of you.  They're a good spot.  Visit one and you'll find all kinds of people in there working and using the WiFi.

Sit close to the door and make sure you have a laminated sign hanging off your laptop lid inviting people to stop and chat about real estate with you.  Make sure you check with the manager but most of them don't care a whit as long as you're spending a reasonable amount of money.  A cup of coffee and a danish gets me a couple of hours minimum.

And a place to find more.

http://www.wififreespot.com/nj.html

Good luck.

I get a lot of contacts from stopping at coffee shops all over the area.  WiFi makes it better but not always necessary.  Sometimes I just stop to write my report.

I have just come from my yearly physical. My Dr. suggests if I'm going to continue to work from coffee shops and cafes I switch to lite lattes and fruit as scones and the like were taken their toll on my weight. But so far this is the only real draw back I see so far.

  Carol

I have not done it since I am in an isolated area at the tip of Cape Cod.  However, it sounds like a lot of fun and good be very profitable!

My husband and I were actually talking about this very topic yesterday.  We decided we would try it out a few different places to see how it goes.    Whenever I go to lunch by myself, I find that if I go to Olive Garden and Red Lobster with my name badge on, briefcase in hand and some price reduced, colorful flyers or brochures on the table I will have people stop by and ask me about the "good deal".  I was able to get contact information from a few people and have included these "mets" to our 33 touch list.

Great idea and some of the comments really added to the initial thought.  I think I will try that at the campus coffee shops.

Hi Todd

I've started to work at least a couple hours a day from a coffee shop, since I've gotten my new macbook.   So far I haven't gotten any direct business from doing it yet, but I'm always bumping into people I know and meeting new people every week who ask about real estate, so either way, it beats working from the office.

The airport is also a great place when you are waiting for a flight.

What a brilliant idea! I'm going to try this one out.

Todd, great idea. I mite have to give this a go myself. I pride my self in working out of my car. The coffee shop or similar is a go...

I love the idea of having a sign on the back of the laptop.  I'll definitely give this one a try!

This is a fabulous idea, and I could also see it working very well in the grocery stores that have coffee shops.  Having worked in one of those coffee shops (Wegman's) I know that the people who frequent the store and coffee area have a regular schedule. So if I picked every Tuesday and Friday between 11-1 pm, pretty soon those regulars would expect me to be there, and I guarantee that would eventually lead to business.  Great idea, I'm glad you jogged my memory. 

Ah, C'mon Rick Tourgee - Provincetown and Cape Cod

Look at all these coffee shops in your isolated area.

Local business results for coffee shops near Provincetown, MA

		Bubala's By the Bay  - www.bubalas.com - (508) 487-0773 - 13 reviews
		Coffee Pot  - maps.google.com - (508) 487-2580 - more
		Ben & Jerry's Provincetown  - www.benjerry.com - (508) 487-3360 - more
		Coffee Talk  - maps.google.com - (508) 487-3780 - more
		Joe Coffee & Espresso Bar  - maps.google.com - (508) 487-6656 - more
		Cicchettis Espresso Bar  - maps.google.com - (508) 487-0036 - more
		Wired Puppy  - www.wiredpuppy.com - (508) 487-0017 - more
		Jimmys HideAway  - www.jimmyshideaway.com - (508) 487-1011 - more
		Cafe Maria's  - maps.google.com - (508) 487-9116 - more
		Village Cafe  - maps.google.com - (508) 487-5800 - more
		More results near Provincetown, MA »

Give it a try. The sign on the back of the laptop is also a good idea.

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Todd,  Thanks for sharing!  Great idea.  I meet people at coffee shops for appointments but haven't ever gone to one just to set up shop for a couple of hours!  I'll add some coffee shop time to my calendar this week and will report back next weekend and let y'all know how it went. 

Linda Schulte, Atlanta

Hi Todd - I've met clients and signed paperwork at coffee shops. Your idea of working is a good one as long as you're a customer as well and don't overstay your welcome. You might also talk to the manager and offer to write a blog post or two about the shop.

It pays off.  I've gotten several inspections out of my favorite little place, along with several others.

As John mentioned, I paid the owner back iwth this.

Need Good Home Cooking & Karaoke in Georgetown?

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TODD

Going where the people are makes great business sense.  In a coffee shop for example, people tend to be more relaxed and therefore open the possibility to developing a dialog.  I commend your entrepreneurial spirit!  Hope it continues to pan out successfully! Good luck and sell well!

Todd, I have breakfast out early most every morning...At least half the time I have a customer to talk with over oatmeal & hot tea, other mornings I have had other regulars start Real Estate conversations with me..THey know I buy foreclosures and distress situations, and I have considered a sign myself....PS I always leave a double or triple tip...always