A Guide For Entrepreneurs
When it comes to meeting new clients, you’ve got to make a good impression. You’ll want them to have the opportunity to know who you are, what you do, and what you have to offer them, and if you’re rather new to the world of being a sole trader or small business, you may not have an office yet. Ergo, you’ll need somewhere to meet that’s relaxed, local, and has access to all the amenities that you’ll require.
So, why is it a good idea to take your new client to a bar for your first meeting?
It Promotes More Relaxed Conversation
When meeting with clients, you’ll want the conversation to be low-pressure so they can feel comfortable asking questions about what you can offer. As obvious as it may sound, attempting to have this conversation in a Maroochydore pub is more likely to go well than if you try to have it in a posh restaurant. Why? Because the latter is a more formal environment and doesn’t encourage you to unwind. So, aim for somewhere that’s relaxed, and enjoy getting to know your potential new client.
It Shows Your Real Personality
If you were to visit a high-class eatery with clients, unless you’ve been there before, chances are you’d be putting on an act. Of course, there’s a lot to be said about having a professional persona when it comes to work and a private persona for when you’re at home, but you don’t really want to be adding another layer to your working persona.
Indeed, you’ll want to choose somewhere to meet that reflects you as a person, and while there was an idea at one point that this couldn’t help you to excel in the world of business, that was a myth. If you’re from downtown LA, then your clients will likely be happy to meet you in a setting that you’re familiar with and that you can exchange stories about. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not when it comes to business; it just doesn’t work long-term.
It’s More Affordable
OK, so when it comes to winning over clients, you’re going to want to do this with no long-term financial damage being done to your own business accounts.
So, you’ll likely be looking for a place to take them that can be written off as a business expense, but not one that costs $26,000, like the very famous scene about business expenses in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street!
In most cases, it’s best to aim for a bar that’s easy to get to for you and your clients, that’s mid-range, and that also serves food.
There’s No Showing Off
Many people who are looking to get into a business relationship with someone else may not appreciate the one-upmanship that’s so often associated with allegedly cementing clients.
For instance, if you’re looking to strike up a working relationship with a building firm, they’re not likely to want a five-course meal at The Ritz, as this would be unlikely to appeal to them.
So, when it comes to gauging the best place to take your clients, think logically; where is somewhere that’s relaxed, has no pressure, and can allow you to showcase your skills without needing to break the bank? In most cases, it’s going to be somewhere like a bar.