All over town, Baton Rouge movers and shakers can often be found during the workday at various coffee shops. In the age of wireless internet, it has become more and more common to be able to work from home; however, many people have found this to be distracting. As such, they have sought out other places where the can work, network, and even play a bit, all the while not being pressured to do the dishes. Consequently, the corner coffee shop is quickly emerging as the third most common office-away-from-the-office for local professionals.
Coffee shops can be divided into three categories: international/national chains, regional chains, and independents. International chains, such as Starbucks, provide patrons with consistency of products, which many people find comforting. For instance, while in Japan this year, I noticed a banana-flavored coffee special, which I assumed to be regional to the Asian market. However, when I returned to the Starbucks in Towne Center, they had the same unusual flavor. This kind of consistency builds a steady client base all over the world. At that same Starbucks one late afternoon, for example, patrons' ages ranged from young children in school uniforms to folks discussing the benefits of retirement. People were working, socializing and planning an upcoming political campaign.
The most prolific regional chain in the Baton Rouge area is CC's. The draw for many professionals to CC's is their free wireless internet connections. A recent visit to CC's on Jefferson Highway found the majority of the tables occupied by business professionals working on their laptops. One such professional is Felix Bernard, a retired educator. Bernard lives in Gonzales and visits coffee shops in Baton Rouge every other day. Bernard stated that, unlike others who need quiet to concentrate, he needs noise and background chatter. Dave Grier, of Life Success Publishing, works from home, but uses coffee shops as places in which to hold meetings, as well as a change of scenery during his normal workday. Grier states that coffee shops are an excellent place to meet people with similar interests, and enjoys the camaraderie of the coffee shop atmosphere.
Independent coffee shops provide an intimate, often funky, atmosphere. Brew Ha Ha, on Jefferson Highway, has a friendly atmosphere with an attentive staff. Perks, on Perkins Road, is a cool coffee shop with a college town sort of feel. Sam Pourciau, an RN Trainer, strongly favors the independents. Pourciau finds the cozy environments relaxing and conducive to work. Because domestic responsibilities can make working at home can be distracting, Pourciau has found she is better able to concentrate and complete tasks in relatively quiet places, such as these, that offer a homey feel without the need to do dishes. Luckily, both Brew Ha Ha and Perks provide free wireless internet connections.
Dr. Erin Martin, Assistant Professor at LSU, chooses her coffee shops based on her assessment of the coffee flavor. Like many others, Martin works at coffee shops to avoid the constant interruptions and distractions of her home and office. Martin finds coffee shops calming and pacifying. Even though there are a lot of people usually around, Martin feels she has more privacy than she does in her work environment. Plus, the caffeine helps focus concentration.
One way to enhance your coffee shop experience is to get to know the folks working there. Since my consulting work primarily has me working in isolation, going to a place where people know my face (if not my name) is reassuring. Consider your goals for the visit in deciding on your seat. If you are interested in being left alone, sit in a corner wearing headphones. If you are interested in getting to know some new people, position yourself by the ready counter or the condiment area. Sit facing the other patrons, make eye contact, smile, and say hello. Since we are in Baton Rouge, talking to strangers is pretty normal. The 3rd workplace allows you to work without mundane distractions and affords you the opportunity to turn strangers into networking assets.
