You have waited for these words, were afraid of them, and not sure how to react when hearing them. Certainly, sooner or later, one of your clients would say them. This customer is completely satisfied with your work, sees that everything is done on time and in budget. You are perceived not as Mr. Smith, who is doing the good job, but as the head of ACME Services. The customer never asked if this phone number is a home or office number; such an irrational question just did not occur to the client. So, now you have to explain that you do not have an office in the traditional sense. Maybe, it will not spoil the big picture, but who knows? What should you do: invite your client to your place, where your children or pets will affect the meeting, or lie that your office is under refurbishment or moving?
Of course you should never lie to a client. If a client asks if you have an office or not, tell the truth. Home offices are becoming more accepted, and some professions are standards in the work at home field, such as writers, designers, or programmer. Some of us work in a field that has always been thought to be found in a traditional office, where you can have meetings with clients. Otherwise, you do not look professional. For home office people, you may have to conduct meetings with your clients and just cannot do it at home.
This article will help you to understand that there are lots of places where you can meet with your clients, if for some reason you cannot or do not want to meet with them at your home.
Golden Rule - If you feel that meeting a client at home is not realistic, take the situation under control. Do not wait until your client tells you she wants to come to your office, propose another place from the beginning.
Here are some possible places where you can have a meeting with your client:
1. The client's office
Your first question can be: "When could I visit you in your office?" Most clients will be delighted that you saved them time by visiting them, instead of them going out of their way. They will also feel more comfortable, since they are on their home field. On the other hand, you might not feel too comfortable playing on their field. In such cases, use another option.
2. Conference rooms
Any big business office has conference rooms. In most of these places, you can rent a conference room at an hourly rate. So, call different business centers to find out prices, then pay a visit to several of the most reasonably priced to see what they look like. Pay attention not only to the appearance of the room but also to service. If the room is not cleaned properly, you could do it prior to a meeting, but if a receptionist is rude with you, she will behave the same way with your client. Also check, if coffee, tea, or soda could be served during your meeting. If not, just bring a couple of bottles of mineral water and plastic glasses with you.
Renting a conference room is a very good option, because it will look professional and provides the best facilities for a meeting or presentation. You can even rent a conference room for a day once a week, and make this day your "meeting day", if you have to conduct many meetings and can stand several of them in a row.
In order to be calm, relaxed, and ready for the meeting, you must remember to be there at least a half-hour before the earliest appointment. This will give you time to check if everything is in order, set up the equipment, and meet your client on the first floor of the building, so that she will not be wasting time trying to find the room.
3. Restaurant
Invite your client for a business lunch, especially if you already have a lot of business from him or expect a big project. First, it will be a gesture of appreciation from your side, and secondly, it will definitely create a nice environment for discussing business issues.
In order to have a successful meeting, you just have to remember several simple things. Never take your client away from his office for more than one hour. Therefore, make some preparations. Find out what restaurants are located in the area of your client's office, how fast they serve food and of course, how good the food is. If you plan anything exotic, check your client's opinion before; he might not like spicy food as much as you do. Also, check that the place is quiet and the interior is nice - you do not want to shout during a meeting.
Keep in mind that if you are doing business in a foreign country, you have to make sure that it is perceived to be normal in this country. In some countries, people do not like to speak about business while eating.
These previous two options may be inappropriate for you, because of the financial reasons. It's understandable, if for instance you do not want to spend a lot of money for conducting meetings if you are in the beginning of your home business career. It also may not make sense if it's your first meeting with a client and chances are that she will not give you enough business to warrant the cost. If this is the case, you can use cost-free options. I am sure that after you read them, you will think of two or three other yourself.
4. Hotel lobby
Yes, this is not at all a bad option. Lobbies of big hotels usually look sophisticated, are more or less quiet, are equipped with beautiful furniture, and suit your purpose very well. Check it out and you will probably see several groups of business people sitting there and discussing something.
And now the last and maybe the best option:
5. Your Home Office
Even if your home office is not a separate room, but a part of your living room (like in my case), it's very likely that your client will be delighted to see it. Chances are high that he will be amazed how effective you can work alone, without a secretary, assistant and other colleagues. This will mean that your business really is successful.
Of course, you must prepare in this case too, maybe even more than with other choices. First of all, your place should be sparkling clean, tidy, and produce an image of you as a very organized person. There should be no clutter and nothing irrelevant to work in your office.
You should avoid all sources of interruption. Ask someone to take care for your children for the time of a meeting and make sure that your pets will not disturb your client. If the telephone rings, let your conversation be as quick as possible. Remember, you should be dressed properly. It does not have to be a suit, but jeans and T-shirt are not the best outfit for the situation. Propose a cup of coffee or tea to your client, serve it with light refreshments, and let him envy you, working in such a comfortable and cozy atmosphere!
Of course you should never lie to a client. If a client asks if you have an office or not, tell the truth. Home offices are becoming more accepted, and some professions are standards in the work at home field, such as writers, designers, or programmer. Some of us work in a field that has always been thought to be found in a traditional office, where you can have meetings with clients. Otherwise, you do not look professional. For home office people, you may have to conduct meetings with your clients and just cannot do it at home.
This article will help you to understand that there are lots of places where you can meet with your clients, if for some reason you cannot or do not want to meet with them at your home.
Golden Rule - If you feel that meeting a client at home is not realistic, take the situation under control. Do not wait until your client tells you she wants to come to your office, propose another place from the beginning.
Here are some possible places where you can have a meeting with your client:
1. The client's office
Your first question can be: "When could I visit you in your office?" Most clients will be delighted that you saved them time by visiting them, instead of them going out of their way. They will also feel more comfortable, since they are on their home field. On the other hand, you might not feel too comfortable playing on their field. In such cases, use another option.
2. Conference rooms
Any big business office has conference rooms. In most of these places, you can rent a conference room at an hourly rate. So, call different business centers to find out prices, then pay a visit to several of the most reasonably priced to see what they look like. Pay attention not only to the appearance of the room but also to service. If the room is not cleaned properly, you could do it prior to a meeting, but if a receptionist is rude with you, she will behave the same way with your client. Also check, if coffee, tea, or soda could be served during your meeting. If not, just bring a couple of bottles of mineral water and plastic glasses with you.
Renting a conference room is a very good option, because it will look professional and provides the best facilities for a meeting or presentation. You can even rent a conference room for a day once a week, and make this day your "meeting day", if you have to conduct many meetings and can stand several of them in a row.
In order to be calm, relaxed, and ready for the meeting, you must remember to be there at least a half-hour before the earliest appointment. This will give you time to check if everything is in order, set up the equipment, and meet your client on the first floor of the building, so that she will not be wasting time trying to find the room.
3. Restaurant
Invite your client for a business lunch, especially if you already have a lot of business from him or expect a big project. First, it will be a gesture of appreciation from your side, and secondly, it will definitely create a nice environment for discussing business issues.
In order to have a successful meeting, you just have to remember several simple things. Never take your client away from his office for more than one hour. Therefore, make some preparations. Find out what restaurants are located in the area of your client's office, how fast they serve food and of course, how good the food is. If you plan anything exotic, check your client's opinion before; he might not like spicy food as much as you do. Also, check that the place is quiet and the interior is nice - you do not want to shout during a meeting.
Keep in mind that if you are doing business in a foreign country, you have to make sure that it is perceived to be normal in this country. In some countries, people do not like to speak about business while eating.
These previous two options may be inappropriate for you, because of the financial reasons. It's understandable, if for instance you do not want to spend a lot of money for conducting meetings if you are in the beginning of your home business career. It also may not make sense if it's your first meeting with a client and chances are that she will not give you enough business to warrant the cost. If this is the case, you can use cost-free options. I am sure that after you read them, you will think of two or three other yourself.
4. Hotel lobby
Yes, this is not at all a bad option. Lobbies of big hotels usually look sophisticated, are more or less quiet, are equipped with beautiful furniture, and suit your purpose very well. Check it out and you will probably see several groups of business people sitting there and discussing something.
And now the last and maybe the best option:
5. Your Home Office
Even if your home office is not a separate room, but a part of your living room (like in my case), it's very likely that your client will be delighted to see it. Chances are high that he will be amazed how effective you can work alone, without a secretary, assistant and other colleagues. This will mean that your business really is successful.
Of course, you must prepare in this case too, maybe even more than with other choices. First of all, your place should be sparkling clean, tidy, and produce an image of you as a very organized person. There should be no clutter and nothing irrelevant to work in your office.
You should avoid all sources of interruption. Ask someone to take care for your children for the time of a meeting and make sure that your pets will not disturb your client. If the telephone rings, let your conversation be as quick as possible. Remember, you should be dressed properly. It does not have to be a suit, but jeans and T-shirt are not the best outfit for the situation. Propose a cup of coffee or tea to your client, serve it with light refreshments, and let him envy you, working in such a comfortable and cozy atmosphere!
No comments:
Post a Comment