The “Coffee-Worthy” Test (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)

You might hire a freelancer because they’re talented.

You stick with them because they’re easy to work with.

In a world full of noise, pitches, and “just circling back” emails, the people who stand out aren’t always the loudest. They’re the ones you wouldn’t mind grabbing a coffee with. The ones who make collaboration feel human again.

Here’s what separates the coffee-worthy freelancers and consultants from the rest.

1. They give before they get

The best people don’t start with a pitch.
They start with curiosity.

They listen. They offer help without attaching strings. They genuinely want to understand your business, your customers, and your challenges before talking about solutions.

That generosity builds trust long before a contract is signed.

2. They’re consistent, not loud

Coffee-worthy freelancers don’t shout their services through a megaphone.

Instead, they show up.
Regularly. Calmly. Reliably.

They share useful insights, not endless sales posts. They add value over time, which makes working with them feel like a natural next step rather than a pressured decision.

3. They make your life easier

This one matters more than people admit.

They hit deadlines.
They communicate clearly.
They don’t need chasing.

You don’t have to manage them because they manage themselves. And that alone can be the difference between a stressful project and a genuinely enjoyable one.

4. They connect ideas from outside your industry

The strongest insights often come from unexpected places.

Great freelancers don’t just recycle industry jargon. They draw from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. They see patterns others miss and connect dots you didn’t realise were related.

That’s where real growth happens.

5. They care about results, not just delivery

Did it work?
Did it land?
Did it help your customers?

Coffee-worthy freelancers don’t disappear once the work is handed over. They care about outcomes, not just output. They want to know if the launch resonated, if the content converted, if the strategy actually moved the needle.

Because your success reflects theirs.

The real test

At the end of the day, the best freelancers and consultants are simple to describe:

They’re people you don’t dread working with.
They respect your time.
They make Zoom meetings slightly more tolerable.

And if you’re honest, they’re probably people you’d happily grab a coffee with.

That’s the bar.