I was chilling in my hot tub, listening to @noahkagan book Million Dollar Weekend on Audible. From the brief beginning the message I recieved was - GET A FREE COFFEE.
I thought to myself 'heck yeah!' I'm going to do it.
My WHY is - I should be able to get a free coffee just by asking, how hard could it really be, haha?
I work in London, so there's many places I can try. I'm VERY introverted, but as a kid I remember myself being extraverted.
The one time I saw someone getting a freebie was a travel blogger on YouTube (Simon), he would play a trick where he tells that he dropped his coffee 15minutes ago and asks for a new one. I do NOT want to do that, so here is my personal SELF-RULE -
MY SELF RULE: I cannot steal, lie or misslead. The person giving me the free coffee must do it willingly by themselves out of the good will of their heart.
This is my progress thread for doing this challenge and getting that free coffee!
Day 1. Thursday 21st March 2024
Place Name: JOE & THE JUICE
Story:
I was walking down the street during my lunch break, I see this coffee shop on the side of the street, 3 coffee shops in a row.... I think to myself Okay, imma do this! Just walk in, ask, walk out. Simple.
As I get closer FEAR peaks, and I walk straight past the building! Like my intention was to never walk inside...
As I keep walking I'm thinking to myself WOW this is difficult.
Questions pop up into my mind:
Would I be able to forgive myself? Am I giving up on my dream? Is this who I really am?
3 seconds past, I STOP.
Turn around and say to myself: NO, I AM DOING THIS.
I walk inside the building, it's a small building, there's a queue of 2 people in front of me. I stand in line and observe. People in queue quickly make their orders and go to take seats. Its my turn now and theres no-one behind me.
There is this young lady in front of me, who appears to be in charge of customer service - she takes customer orders and right next to her over the counter there are 4-5 people bunched up in a tiny space who are doing the work.
Conversation with the lady:
Me: 'Can I have a free coffee?'
Her: 'why?' *inna scared voice*
Me: ....
Whatever I said, I complelty blew it. I was SCARED.
After she said no, I smiled, and walked away feeling good.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 9/10
- - -
Place Name: STARBUCKS
Story:
Soon after... I walk inside this large building, lots of people are sitting down but still half of the space is empty.
There is a queue of 2 completely miserable looking people waiting to be served in line.
I just stared at the workers and smiled.
1 worker was an unhappy looking young foreign guy doing something, behind him are 2 young ladies doing stuff.
The unhappy guy did a hand signal that I should queue up. A second later. A young smiling lady comes to the counter and my dumb a$$ though it was for me, I started walking towards the counter, and then the miserable guy from the line walked in front of me and in my head I was like 'OH ShIt' - I completly forgot about him, he was like a ghost.
I didnt even try.. i just walked out straight away. It felt like I blew it, so I didn't even want to ask for a coffee.
I was so upset with myself for being this inconsiderate and blind.
But as my COPE I though - I actually helped that guy in the queue by brining attention to the other employee to take the order!
Result: DIDN'T ASK.
My FEAR level: 6/10
- - -
Place Name: ??? I forgot
Story:
Walked inside an empty resturant looking place. Lots of space, all empty.
Young british guy over the counter welcomed me! I joyfully welcomed him back!
Me: 'Do you do coffee here?'
He: 'yeah!'
*I keep walking in closer* and ask: 'Can I have a free one?'
I felt that when I said 'free' I mumbled it and said it much quiter.
So I repeated myself - 'Can I have a free one?'
He: 'sorry, we dont do free service here'
I understandably left. From the look he gave me I felt like a homeless man begging haha!!
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 7/10
- - -
Place Name: STARBUCKS (different 1)
Story:
Very large building, maybe 2-3 people are sitting inside, making the building seem completly empty. No queue.
Nice young lady at the counter, and an angry looking foreign guy who's 'working' but tbh idk what he was doing.
The lady comes to take my order -
Me: 'can I get a free coffee?'
Her: no.. do you have a 'Starbucks card'.
Me: 'no, don't have it with me'
She understandably rejected.
And I understandably accepted that fact and walked out.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 5/10
- - -
On my way back to work, ideas for the next time start to pop up:
Idea 1. never say 'free' instead ask for a 'sample'. 'Can I get a Coffee sample?'
Idea 2. Go into it with a mindset of - I am helping YOU by asking for a free coffee.
Idea 3. Wear a hat, (maybe it's my hair cut lol).
Idea 4. Next one I do, I will use all 3 Ideas above.
- - -
After work -
Place Name: Costa Coffee
Story:
Clean and smart looking foreign guy working all by himself in this cozy small building. There's a family of 3 in a queue and a guy in his phone already waiting for his order.
After both got served:
Me: 'Can I get a coffee sample?'
Him: 'What.'
Me: 'Can I get a coffee sample?'
He: *Smirked face* We don't do samples.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 7/10
- - -
On my train ride home as I listen to Noahs book I learn that the 'ask muscle' was for a 10% discount, while my a$$ straight up asked for 4 free coffees today 😀
New strategy, which will DOUBLE my No's is this:
Can I get a free coffee?
No.
Can I get a 50% discount?
No.
Now they have 2 possibilities to say no or yes.
Day 2. Friday 22 March 2024
As I get off train and make my way to work I see -
Place Name: Coffee Bike
Story:
Older casual looking foreign man, behind the bike, there is no queue, just a coffee bike in the middle of a busy morning street.
Me: can I get a free coffee?
Him: *silent..* what?
Me: can I have a free coffee?
Him: *laughs* fine ill give you a free coffee.
Him: Why don't you ask for free coffee in Starbucks it's a multi billion company!
Me: it's a challenge I'm doing... seeing who would give me a free coffee, you're the first one!
*We had more small talk*
His name is Euguene, and wow, I even got a biscuit on top!
Result:
My FEAR level: 5/10
- - -
Place Name: LEAVE THE HERD
Story:
On my lunch break I walk inside this large building, very cosy, there were 2 people on their laptops, and another 2 people further away chatting.
Behind the counter is a smiling lady busy making an order, and a very tall young black gentleman also doing other work.
I was standing and smiling and she told me to use the self checkout machine.
I shook my head and asked: 'can I get a free coffee?'
She: *equipment machine buzzing* 'sorry the machine is too loud', *moved closer to me*
Me: can I get a free coffee?
She: Yes! Sure.
*We had small talk*
Her name is Elisa.
At the end she even said 'thank you' to me!
Result:
My FEAR level: 5/10
It was a big cup and I already had too much coffee for the day, thanks to Euguene! So Elisas coffee will be for someone else to enjoy!
I walked down the street and randomly selected first people I see -
First Interaction -
A young Asian lady, walking down the street all focused in her head.
I smilingly approached her and asked: do you want a free coffee, *showing the cup*
She: no thank you, and smiled
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 3/10
Second Interaction -
An older British lady, walking down the street
Same as before -
Me: do you want a free coffee? ... I picked it up but don't really want it.
She: no thanks, and smiled
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 2/10
Third Interaction -
A black gentleman wearing his headphones on a call with someone.
Same as before -
I smilingly got his attention, and said:
'Hey do you want a free coffee?'
'I just picked it up and don't want it.'
He started to smile and said 'yeah!'.
Me: It's a latte with milk no sugar!
*I passed him the cup*
He was smiling told me 'thank you' and I told him to have a good day!
Result: YES.
My FEAR level: 3/10
- - -
Place Name: Leon
Story:
After work on my way to train I'm looking for places I can try. I walk inside, one tall man is waiting for his order next to the counter.
There are two foreign young guys running the place! They really wanted to be unnoticed, but I smiled and just paid attention until one of them notices me. One does -
Me: can I get a free coffee?
Him: *looks at me* what?
Me: can I have a free coffee? *making eye movement to the coffee machine while smiling*
<in his eyes I though he wanted to do it>
Him: No.
I smiled and said 'okay...'
...I was about to ask for a discount but he turned around..
So I walked out.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 3/10
(I though it would be higher because there was a man who heard and saw it all)
- - -
Place Name: Caffe Nero
Story:
Lots of tables outside and only 1 table was occupied by an older couple. I walk inside, it's a nice cozy looking place. A young slavic man behind the counter, and theres no queue.
I ask: can I get a free coffee?
Him: what?
Me: can I get a free coffee.
Him: no sorry I can't
Me: can I get a discount?
Him: you can only get a 10% discount
(I noticed a sign on the counter the second I entered saying '10% discount', so I knew I had to decline his offer)
Me: can I get a 50% discount?
He: sorry no
Me: it's okay, have a good day!
He: you too!
Result: NO. NO.
My FEAR level: 2/10
- - -
Honestly, I just wanted to get a few NO's to finish the day. I already felt extremely grateful and happy!
Overall it took me 2 days to get my first YES. I tried 9 places, 2 SUCCESS, 7 FAILURES.
My confidence level went up, but dang this was HARD! And still is! It's fun though.
I'll end my progress thread here, but I'll definetly do this more.
I'd love to read your story! It takes about 3 minutes to get a NO. And it's so fun!
I thought to myself 'heck yeah!' I'm going to do it.
My WHY is - I should be able to get a free coffee just by asking, how hard could it really be, haha?
I work in London, so there's many places I can try. I'm VERY introverted, but as a kid I remember myself being extraverted.
The one time I saw someone getting a freebie was a travel blogger on YouTube (Simon), he would play a trick where he tells that he dropped his coffee 15minutes ago and asks for a new one. I do NOT want to do that, so here is my personal SELF-RULE -
MY SELF RULE: I cannot steal, lie or misslead. The person giving me the free coffee must do it willingly by themselves out of the good will of their heart.
This is my progress thread for doing this challenge and getting that free coffee!
Day 1. Thursday 21st March 2024
Place Name: JOE & THE JUICE
Story:
I was walking down the street during my lunch break, I see this coffee shop on the side of the street, 3 coffee shops in a row.... I think to myself Okay, imma do this! Just walk in, ask, walk out. Simple.
As I get closer FEAR peaks, and I walk straight past the building! Like my intention was to never walk inside...
As I keep walking I'm thinking to myself WOW this is difficult.
Questions pop up into my mind:
Would I be able to forgive myself? Am I giving up on my dream? Is this who I really am?
3 seconds past, I STOP.
Turn around and say to myself: NO, I AM DOING THIS.
I walk inside the building, it's a small building, there's a queue of 2 people in front of me. I stand in line and observe. People in queue quickly make their orders and go to take seats. Its my turn now and theres no-one behind me.
There is this young lady in front of me, who appears to be in charge of customer service - she takes customer orders and right next to her over the counter there are 4-5 people bunched up in a tiny space who are doing the work.
Conversation with the lady:
Me: 'Can I have a free coffee?'
Her: 'why?' *inna scared voice*
Me: ....
Whatever I said, I complelty blew it. I was SCARED.
After she said no, I smiled, and walked away feeling good.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 9/10
- - -
Place Name: STARBUCKS
Story:
Soon after... I walk inside this large building, lots of people are sitting down but still half of the space is empty.
There is a queue of 2 completely miserable looking people waiting to be served in line.
I just stared at the workers and smiled.
1 worker was an unhappy looking young foreign guy doing something, behind him are 2 young ladies doing stuff.
The unhappy guy did a hand signal that I should queue up. A second later. A young smiling lady comes to the counter and my dumb a$$ though it was for me, I started walking towards the counter, and then the miserable guy from the line walked in front of me and in my head I was like 'OH ShIt' - I completly forgot about him, he was like a ghost.
I didnt even try.. i just walked out straight away. It felt like I blew it, so I didn't even want to ask for a coffee.
I was so upset with myself for being this inconsiderate and blind.
But as my COPE I though - I actually helped that guy in the queue by brining attention to the other employee to take the order!
Result: DIDN'T ASK.
My FEAR level: 6/10
- - -
Place Name: ??? I forgot
Story:
Walked inside an empty resturant looking place. Lots of space, all empty.
Young british guy over the counter welcomed me! I joyfully welcomed him back!
Me: 'Do you do coffee here?'
He: 'yeah!'
*I keep walking in closer* and ask: 'Can I have a free one?'
I felt that when I said 'free' I mumbled it and said it much quiter.
So I repeated myself - 'Can I have a free one?'
He: 'sorry, we dont do free service here'
I understandably left. From the look he gave me I felt like a homeless man begging haha!!
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 7/10
- - -
Place Name: STARBUCKS (different 1)
Story:
Very large building, maybe 2-3 people are sitting inside, making the building seem completly empty. No queue.
Nice young lady at the counter, and an angry looking foreign guy who's 'working' but tbh idk what he was doing.
The lady comes to take my order -
Me: 'can I get a free coffee?'
Her: no.. do you have a 'Starbucks card'.
Me: 'no, don't have it with me'
She understandably rejected.
And I understandably accepted that fact and walked out.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 5/10
- - -
On my way back to work, ideas for the next time start to pop up:
Idea 1. never say 'free' instead ask for a 'sample'. 'Can I get a Coffee sample?'
Idea 2. Go into it with a mindset of - I am helping YOU by asking for a free coffee.
Idea 3. Wear a hat, (maybe it's my hair cut lol).
Idea 4. Next one I do, I will use all 3 Ideas above.
- - -
After work -
Place Name: Costa Coffee
Story:
Clean and smart looking foreign guy working all by himself in this cozy small building. There's a family of 3 in a queue and a guy in his phone already waiting for his order.
After both got served:
Me: 'Can I get a coffee sample?'
Him: 'What.'
Me: 'Can I get a coffee sample?'
He: *Smirked face* We don't do samples.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 7/10
- - -
On my train ride home as I listen to Noahs book I learn that the 'ask muscle' was for a 10% discount, while my a$$ straight up asked for 4 free coffees today 😀
New strategy, which will DOUBLE my No's is this:
Can I get a free coffee?
No.
Can I get a 50% discount?
No.
Now they have 2 possibilities to say no or yes.
Day 2. Friday 22 March 2024
As I get off train and make my way to work I see -
Place Name: Coffee Bike
Story:
Older casual looking foreign man, behind the bike, there is no queue, just a coffee bike in the middle of a busy morning street.
Me: can I get a free coffee?
Him: *silent..* what?
Me: can I have a free coffee?
Him: *laughs* fine ill give you a free coffee.
Him: Why don't you ask for free coffee in Starbucks it's a multi billion company!
Me: it's a challenge I'm doing... seeing who would give me a free coffee, you're the first one!
*We had more small talk*
His name is Euguene, and wow, I even got a biscuit on top!
Result:
My FEAR level: 5/10
- - -
Place Name: LEAVE THE HERD
Story:
On my lunch break I walk inside this large building, very cosy, there were 2 people on their laptops, and another 2 people further away chatting.
Behind the counter is a smiling lady busy making an order, and a very tall young black gentleman also doing other work.
I was standing and smiling and she told me to use the self checkout machine.
I shook my head and asked: 'can I get a free coffee?'
She: *equipment machine buzzing* 'sorry the machine is too loud', *moved closer to me*
Me: can I get a free coffee?
She: Yes! Sure.
*We had small talk*
Her name is Elisa.
At the end she even said 'thank you' to me!
Result:
My FEAR level: 5/10
It was a big cup and I already had too much coffee for the day, thanks to Euguene! So Elisas coffee will be for someone else to enjoy!
I walked down the street and randomly selected first people I see -
First Interaction -
A young Asian lady, walking down the street all focused in her head.
I smilingly approached her and asked: do you want a free coffee, *showing the cup*
She: no thank you, and smiled
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 3/10
Second Interaction -
An older British lady, walking down the street
Same as before -
Me: do you want a free coffee? ... I picked it up but don't really want it.
She: no thanks, and smiled
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 2/10
Third Interaction -
A black gentleman wearing his headphones on a call with someone.
Same as before -
I smilingly got his attention, and said:
'Hey do you want a free coffee?'
'I just picked it up and don't want it.'
He started to smile and said 'yeah!'.
Me: It's a latte with milk no sugar!
*I passed him the cup*
He was smiling told me 'thank you' and I told him to have a good day!
Result: YES.
My FEAR level: 3/10
- - -
Place Name: Leon
Story:
After work on my way to train I'm looking for places I can try. I walk inside, one tall man is waiting for his order next to the counter.
There are two foreign young guys running the place! They really wanted to be unnoticed, but I smiled and just paid attention until one of them notices me. One does -
Me: can I get a free coffee?
Him: *looks at me* what?
Me: can I have a free coffee? *making eye movement to the coffee machine while smiling*
<in his eyes I though he wanted to do it>
Him: No.
I smiled and said 'okay...'
...I was about to ask for a discount but he turned around..
So I walked out.
Result: NO.
My FEAR level: 3/10
(I though it would be higher because there was a man who heard and saw it all)
- - -
Place Name: Caffe Nero
Story:
Lots of tables outside and only 1 table was occupied by an older couple. I walk inside, it's a nice cozy looking place. A young slavic man behind the counter, and theres no queue.
I ask: can I get a free coffee?
Him: what?
Me: can I get a free coffee.
Him: no sorry I can't
Me: can I get a discount?
Him: you can only get a 10% discount
(I noticed a sign on the counter the second I entered saying '10% discount', so I knew I had to decline his offer)
Me: can I get a 50% discount?
He: sorry no
Me: it's okay, have a good day!
He: you too!
Result: NO. NO.
My FEAR level: 2/10
- - -
Honestly, I just wanted to get a few NO's to finish the day. I already felt extremely grateful and happy!
Overall it took me 2 days to get my first YES. I tried 9 places, 2 SUCCESS, 7 FAILURES.
My confidence level went up, but dang this was HARD! And still is! It's fun though.
I'll end my progress thread here, but I'll definetly do this more.
I'd love to read your story! It takes about 3 minutes to get a NO. And it's so fun!
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