Coffee Shop Rejection Challenge

The Coffee Challenge is an exercise designed to help people overcome fear of asking and rejection by practicing asking for discounts at coffee shops. It demonstrates the power and upside of simply making requests.

Core Concept

• Simple exercise: Ask for a discount at a coffee shop
• Goal is to get comfortable with rejection and asking for things
• Shows that rejection is okay and survivable
• Helps build "asking muscle" that translates to business success

Key Benefits

• Overcomes fear of rejection through direct exposure
• Builds confidence in making requests
• Teaches that upside of asking outweighs downside
• Develops comfort with negotiation
• Translates to broader business skills like:
  • Asking for sales
  • Requesting partnerships
  • Negotiating with employees
  • Seeking customers

Cultural Connection

• Common trait among successful immigrant entrepreneurs
• "Shameless ability" to ask for things
• Contrasts with people who avoid asking due to embarrassment
• Changes perspective on what's acceptable to request

Real Impact

• Sam Parr credits this exercise from Noah Kagan's course as transformative
• Changed his mindset from being embarrassed to ask for things
• Led to being more assertive in business dealings
• Demonstrated that simple actions can create meaningful change

Key Takeaway

• Business success often comes down to willingness to ask
• Most people wait to be "ready" but never start
• Taking action and making requests drives results
• Getting rejected is normal and shouldn't stop you from asking