How do you prefer meeting a client for the first time?
How do you prefer meeting a client for the first time?
Conference Room 35%
Dinner 26%
Drinks 25%
Sports/Recreational Event 11%
Amusement Park 2%
Personally, I would prefer meeting at a sporting event because it gives me the opportunity to get to know the person but also there is an amount of pressure lifted because there is a distraction (the game). Drinks may break down walls but not always the best option when first meeting someone. I would defiantly try to stay away from the conference room because I feel that people are not their authentic selves when trapped in an office and by getting out will give you an opportunity to get to know them better.
Thoughts?
Conference Room 35%
Dinner 26%
Drinks 25%
Sports/Recreational Event 11%
Amusement Park 2%
Personally, I would prefer meeting at a sporting event because it gives me the opportunity to get to know the person but also there is an amount of pressure lifted because there is a distraction (the game). Drinks may break down walls but not always the best option when first meeting someone. I would defiantly try to stay away from the conference room because I feel that people are not their authentic selves when trapped in an office and by getting out will give you an opportunity to get to know them better.
Thoughts?
Tags: authentic, client, getting_personal, meeting
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Emilee on -
My favorite way to meet a client is to cold call and tell my story and then have them show up at a Studio downtown. As a treat they enjoy a free facial and get a check-up from the neck up. Also, it's great learning their story and getting to know them better, after the initial contact. We get hair and eye color etc and generally hold the appointment with incentives.
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Permalink Reply by Life (Brian Williams) on -
I haven't started to meet clients yet and was thinking this very thing. I'm a people person, I think finding something they like and spending time with them doing it. This would create a personal bond with the person. Out of the people I have met with for somewhat business ideas it has been.
1: Drinks, generally we've already known one another and its more about catching up than business, this of course leads to business down the line. (Side note, drinks don't need to be alcohol all the time).
2: Dinner, I've only met one person for dinner, and it was awarded. A dinner party, I think that would be best, you don't need to maintain consistent chat with the person. Who really wants to talk all business at dinner anyway?
3: Sports, Great Way! Though, this would lead to drinks after which you can talk business. You've created an experience with the person. So every time they see a that team, they remember you (even if it is a little).
4: I wouldn't ever take someone to an amusement park. Maybe if we both had kids... Even then is pushing it in my book.
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Permalink Reply by Richard Frank on -
I will meet a new client anytime, anywhere. I like the idea of a sporting event. Too many times when I go to a new clients office, they are not focus and easily distracted.
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Permalink Reply by Danielle MacInnis on -
Through a friend or another work person is good.
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