Coffee shops are brutal. Everyone's buried in their laptop or a book. The last thing they want is someone interrupting their flow. But magic gives you a reason to approach that's actually FUN instead of annoying.
Before approaching, check for these signals:
If any of these are YES, you can approach with a trick.
Walk up and say: "Hey, need a break from whatever you're working on? Quick game - 100 minus 7. Keep going until I say stop. Unless you give me your number first."
Then smile and say "Kidding. But seriously, I'll give you 2 minutes of entertainment before you go back to work."
Then do one quick finger trick. Done in 90 seconds.
Wait for them to look up. Say: "I have a theory. Book readers are the most interesting people. Want to prove me right?"
Then ask them about their book. This starts a conversation naturally without you being the "guy who interrupted my book."
Borrow their pen (or offer one). Hold it between your thumb and finger.
"Watch this. Focus on the pen... it's getting lighter... lighter..."
Slowly release grip while still holding eye contact. Let it "levitate" for 2 seconds.
Then hand it to them: "Your turn. I charge extra for lessons though."
Wait until they put their phone down to drink coffee.
Slide your phone over with calculator open. "Quick - think of a number. I'll multiply it by something and get your phone number. Sounds fake, watch this."
Do the phone number trick (multiply their first 3 digits by 80, add 1, multiply by 250, add phone number twice, subtract 250, divide by 2).
Give them your phone: "Call me to tell me I'm wrong."
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