I set up my mobile office at my usual desk in the local Starbucks. It is the table right across from where the barista gives you your drink when it has been prepared and right in front of where everyone doctors their caffein fix in a cup. I like this spot, because it causes me to pay attention to people. It is the only table in the place where people are continually in your space. I walked in on this particular morning longing to be a relationship initiator, but I could not seem to figure out how. I struck up a conversation with a mom holding her 14 month, but that went sour when I mistook her little girl for a little boy. She quickly grabbed her "triple tall whatever" and scurried away. Then I had a thought... What if... What if I could encourage everyone coming in without them actually knowing it was me? Now I know that that is not me building relationships, but at least people would have some encouragement. So I devised my plan. I walked up to Chad, the morning barista, and gave … [Read more...]