Hey workaholics,
If you were psyched when Tinder turned your dating game into an actual game, then you’ll be happy to know that you can finally network like a player, too.
Introducing: CoffeetheApp, a professional, skills-based, swipe-style mobile application that allows you to browse for networking opportunities with like-minded professionals, while also letting other professionals check out your stats. Your CoffeetheApp profile can be sourced from either a LinkedIn or a Facebook account. Once you’ve entered your sign-in information, the app automatically filters your existing information into a six-section profile card.
Naturally, this type of profile will house more information than a Tinder profile would. That said, which personal details you choose to divulge are completely up to you. Your CoffeetheApp profile provides space for:
1. A user overview, (i.e.- Name, Industry, Organization, Location)
2. An “I am” section, which summarizes your areas of expertise or what you’d like to offer potential networking matches
3. A “looking for” section, meant to identify what type of professionals you’re seeking or any networking goals you might have
4. An experience section, which gives you a chance to share highlights from your resume
5. An education section
6. A space for your short professional bio
CEO and co-founder Nathan Bernard actually came up with the idea while on—you guessed it—a Tinder date. His date complained that her busy work schedule left her with little time for anything else, much less attending traditional networking events. While most may have dismissed this grievance as typical date night small talk, Nathan saw an opportunity. Soon, he and co-founder Sawyer Xie began crafting a solution. No word yet on how the date went.
Either way, we’re pretty sure CoffeetheApp is the brightest spark in Tinder date history.
Pros
Set-up is stress free.
In less than ten minutes, you’ll be ready start power-networking. If you’ve already added most of your basic resume information to either a LinkedIn or Facebook profile, then you’re pretty much set.
There’s no learning curve.
Because CoffeetheApp has the same intuitive structure as Tinder (simply swipe left to “pass” or right to “connect”), you can jump straight to the fun part.
It just feels right.
At-a-glance judgment might have felt wrong at first, but face it: you were born for this.
It can take you places.
If you’re looking to expand your professional network, grow your business reach to new areas, brainstorm new ideas or even conduct casual field research, this app is a great place to start.
You’re guaranteed to learn something (about yourself!)
Nothing forces you to dig deep and clarify your professional identity like trying to define yourself in one sentence. Your user experience begins with the question, “What are you looking for?” After some trimming, you’ll find yourself left with a 24-character answer that couldn’t be more to-the-point if it was your last Tweet on earth. There’s just something about cramming your intentions into a nutshell that brings out the concision in even the most verbose.
What you don’t know can’t hurt you.
Unlike Tinder’s visibility features, CoffeetheApp does not allow users to see when others are logged on. If an active match that you messaged still hasn’t responded, you’ll never know! Absolutely zero demoralizing realizations that your messages are being ignored.
Busy? Perfect!
This app is only as time-consuming as you want it to be. Because it’s designed for on-the-go, professional mobile users, CoffeetheApp is ideal for those of us with zero hours left in the day, yet still dread the thought of public transportation eye-contact or attempting to look busy when we’re the first to arrive at a restaurant.
You’re in control.
Most networking platforms allow anyone to send you a message. With CoffeetheApp, users are only allowed to start conversations with mutual matches. Not only does that ensure a creep-free environment, it also creates a stress-free, zero-intimidation space to reach out to professional peers.
Cons
Warning to Space-Cadets & Competitive People!
For those of us with attention issues or hyperactive tendencies, game-style networking might be a bit of a challenge. If you find yourself on a rampage for matches, referring to your matches as wins or start feeling oddly accomplished about your collection of professional conquests, this may not be the app for you. It’s also highly addictive. Consider yourself warned.
Disclaimer: not a quick fix for unemployment.
That’s not to say it can’t be done. However, given that the CoffeetheApp user base is still somewhat limited, some industries and locations are underrepresented. In other words, if you’re a software designer, graphic artist or marketing professional who lives in a large metropolitan area like NYC, good news: you have a great chance of finding connections with potential employers. On the other hand, if you’re a professional writer living in rural South Carolina, you might be out of luck (for now). I speak from personal experience.
As in speed dating, first impressions are not always flattering.
Users are only allowed to select a maximum of ten keywords for both their “looking for” section and their “I am” section. Similarly, the experience section forbids users to include more than three total positions from their past or current work resume. This might feel limiting for those of us who have a more eclectic mix of skills, interests and professional networking goals.
Prepare to be profiled.
One major similarity to Tinder is that your image takes up a solid portion of your profile. You might argue that choosing a solid profile photo and painting your nails for a big interview are similar efforts, but we’ll let you decide for yourself.
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Let’s face it: there’s no work-life balance if you’re constantly networking, but it’s impossible to accomplish big things without rubbing shoulders with peers periodically. I have a feeling that CoffeetheApp will be the perfect professional matchmaking, app-made-in-heaven that you’ve been searching for.
Do you have a favorite networking app? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments below.
