I spend an enormous amount of time in restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. I use them for working, meetings, writing, and phone calls. Of course, I also consume massive quantities of their products.

It’s not unusual for me to get referrals from the owners and employees. Sometimes I end up representing the owners themselves. That has happened on multiple occasions over the years (don’t tell the IRS about the free sandwiches I got for a few conversations—and I’m talking about way more than one or two sandwiches).

If you’re going to spend time in these places, it’s worth using that time for building your practice and reputation.

Anyway, moving along…

You’ll get to know the owners and employees by being in the place. But there’s more you can do to build a connection. You don’t just want them to think of you as one of the regulars. You want them to know you and like you, and you want it to happen fast.

How do you accelerate the process?

1. Introduce Yourself

Come in a few times. Become a regular. Then go out of your way to meet the folks running the place. Shake hands, say hello each time, and make sure you’re being seen. Learn their names, make eye contact, and pay attention when they talk.

2. Offer Feedback

Let them know how much you like the place and mention what you like and what could be improved. Don’t be harshly critical since you wouldn’t be a regular if you didn’t like the place, right? Just give honest feedback. Don’t be afraid to offer suggestions. These are business owners who need all the help they can get.

3. Bring Your Friends

Introduce the place to others. Make sure you’re seen showing the place off.

4. Meeting Space

When one of your groups needs a meeting space, be sure to mention your connection and offer to arrange the meeting room.

5. Arrange for Catering

Some of your groups will require catering for meetings and events. If you’ve got a friend in the business, be sure to bring it up to the group.

6. Buy Gift Cards

If you’re going to buy gifts anyway, why not buy gift cards to the place where you’re trying to get known. Restaurant gift cards are a great gift compared to Omaha Steaks given to the vegetarian, hardcover books given to the minimalist, or any kind of art given to anyone who thinks they know art.

7. Tip Generously

Put money in the tip jar. Add a generous tip to the check. Go a little overboard. Add an extra dollar here and there.

8. Write a Review

Pen a quick review on Google Maps, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and whatever else matters in your local market. Use your real name with your picture. That’ll get you noticed by the owner and others looking for places to go in your area. Go “five stars” and don’t be critical.

9. Push the Envelope

If you’re comfortable, and I’m not, put a sticker on your laptop. I know a guy who has a sticker that says “Ask Me About My Book” on the front of his computer. The sticker starts all kinds of conversations. He’s constantly approached by people. Go for it if that’s your thing.

10. Get Interested

Pay attention to what’s happening in the place. What’s happening in the lives of the employees? What’s happening with the suppliers? Are the bills getting paid? Is the place running well? Is it on the way up or the way down? Get a feel for what’s happening and use your insight to add value when appropriate. Look for ways to help and then use those ideas to be helpful.

Personally, I love the stimulating environment offered by many of these places. I’m going to keep working in them, and I’m going to keep eating the food, drinking the drinks, and building relationships with the owners and team. These folks are often connectors, movers, and shakers. You can get more from a coffee shop than coffee. Take advantage of every opportunity.