So I had an interesting if not surreal experience for me today. I met with a reference who may be able to send some business my way, and we met at a Starbucks that was mostly midway between where we're both based. I got there about 15 minutes early, ordered my caramel apple cider (don't drink coffee, don't do chocolate, don't do caffeine, so my Starbucks choices are limited, but damn if that cider isn't good!), took a seat in a poofy purple chair near the entrance, pulled out my laptop, and proceeded to check e-mail.

That was when I looked around the joint.

There I was, surrounded by guys in suits and ties, sitting at tables sipping their hot beverages while chatting with other guys in suits, and at least 80% of the customers had their laptops out and powered on, whether they were sitting by themselves or with others.

Then my contact came in, wearing a shirt and tie, and we sat down at a table, sipped at our hot beverages, and looked over the laptop to discuss our business.

Yes, I attended my very first power coffee break today. And as unusual as it might seem to those who know me, I actually fit in with this crowd and didn't stand out like a sore thumb.

How very surreal...