Laid off recently? Trying to retain some semblance of sanity by interacting with other beings during the search for jobs/endless days surfing the net. Here’s some useful tips to ensure that your local coffee shop proprietor doesn’t resent your presence as much as the homeless guy who sleeps in the doorway:

1.  Always buy something, preferably more than you would if you weren’t using the space. Obviously.

2.  Don’t be a table hog. When the coffee shop fills up, invite other lap top users to share the space – sociable and could be good for business.

3.  Bring an extension cord. Prepare your day properly. To avoid monopolising the single two tables near a power outlet, bring your own extension cord.

4. Don’t talk too loudly on your mobile. It’s tempting to take business calls in a coffee shop, but when you do, don’t talk too loudly. This goes for any other calls too.

5.   Try to repay the favor. Why not ask your hosts if you can sponsor a one hour "meet the lawyer" session where you treat other patrons to coffee, answer law related questions and give our your business cards…

Adapted from MyShingle