Russ Dalbey's Blog

Where do you meet with clients?

If you’re an entrepreneur, hosting a client meeting in your home-office might not be the best option. Your workspace might be small, located in the basement or garage, or you just might not feel comfortable inviting people to your home.

That’s okay. All you need to do is set up a meeting in a public place.

Remember: your professional reputation is not only built on what you do, but how you do it. And this applies to where you conduct your business, as well.

Finding the perfect place to have a meeting with a client or a prospective customer might require creativity, and sometimes a little compromise.

A coffee house, the library, a hotel lobby, or a corner of the local book store might work. Most of these places are conveniently located, relatively quiet, and have Internet access.

To decide, start by asking yourself: What is the meeting about? Is this your first meeting with this client? Is it a friendly, casual check-in with a long-time customer? Is it a meeting where some sensitive subjects will be discussed? The answers to these questions will help you determine where you should meet.

Wherever you choose, I recommend that you make a trip to the location to check it out before your meeting (at that time of day, too). Consider…

• What’s the overall ambiance and atmosphere? Is it youthful and hip, or mature and refined? What does the choice of meeting place say about you?
• Is it private enough, or is it too crowded/noisy?
• Does the location feel comfortable and look clean?
• Where will you sit? If you are meeting with a larger group, will everyone fit?
• Are there any elements that would serve to distract your client from your conversation?
• Will you have access to the Internet?

Then, ask yourself some questions about your client, such as:

• Is he or she the type of person that would be uncomfortable in this particular place?
• Will he or she have trouble finding the location or a spot to park?

Choose wisely and with an eye toward professionalism. Achieving your business goals requires active, personal involvement with customers, and picking the right place to meet will help you acheive that connection.

Finally, always remember how important first (and really all) impressions are. How you dress, your speech, your punctuality, and your body language and posture all create an impression on clients.

Even "the little things" do speak loud and clear about you… both as a professional, and as a person.

Warmly, 
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business