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Etiquette when meeting prospects

by Unisons
5 replies
Alright, midst of cold calling blah blah. Now I've set up appointments with prospects. One of them is someone who values relationships over pricing etc, so of course I'll go down to meet him, build up some contacts, have a genuine relationship with him, at the same time see if we're a fit to be working together.

Thing is, he'll like it to be at a mall near his place, probably over lunch. I'd say again, i'm not there to "close close close, give me the money now", I'm there to build a relationship, probably widen networking a little.

Now, is there an etiquette on where to eat, who treats who, discuss work over lunch? or no?

Now I got another guy whom I'll be meeting, but it's at 4pm at a mall too, planning to talk/discuss at a coffee place. Likewise, is there an etiquette for who to treat or go dutch etc?

(ps: both are prospects, not clients 'yet')
#etiquette #meeting #prospects
  • Profile picture of the author chungacreative
    Originally Posted by Unisons View Post

    Alright, midst of cold calling blah blah. Now I've set up appointments with prospects. One of them is someone who values relationships over pricing etc, so of course I'll go down to meet him, build up some contacts, have a genuine relationship with him, at the same time see if we're a fit to be working together.

    Thing is, he'll like it to be at a mall near his place, probably over lunch. I'd say again, i'm not there to "close close close, give me the money now", I'm there to build a relationship, probably widen networking a little.

    Now, is there an etiquette on where to eat, who treats who, discuss work over lunch? or no?

    Now I got another guy whom I'll be meeting, but it's at 4pm at a mall too, planning to talk/discuss at a coffee place. Likewise, is there an etiquette for who to treat or go dutch etc?

    (ps: both are prospects, not clients 'yet')
    See how your business meetings go and when the server gives you the bill decide for yourself if this person is worth treating the meal or not. Either way save your receipts so you can write it off for your business taxes.
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  • Profile picture of the author Unisons
    Usually payment goes when the food is ordered, so whoever is ordering is paying first. Such as ordering coffee and what not.

    And if he says "it's ok I'll pay", I'm guessing to not insist otherwise?
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  • Profile picture of the author PsycFa
    I would advice you to look at the tendency first. normally your initial communication tells your guts that he is a very highly qualified prospect to hire you; you need to pay the bill and moreover he mentioned that he values relationship..

    So something along that line to strengthen your stand will be;

    "its alright; i will pay this time but next time it will be on you"

    This shows your openness to a long lasting relationship as well as you are genuine into meeting again etc..

    And not someone who just want to meet, convince and take money out of his wallet and disappear..
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  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    I say you pay, but this may depend on the situation.
    Maybe you are at a coffee shop and they show up before you, then they purchase their stuff. Or you show up first and purchase your stuff, and miss them coming in to cover their bill....

    It will all depend on the situation. But, if you sit down together at a restaurant, you should pick up the bill.
    As far as discussing business over lunch, some of my clients can only talk during lunch. Clients like dentists, chiropractors, lawyers, etc. You both know why you are there, for business. I go out for a beer with a few of my clients, and in that case, we go dutch and shoot the sh*t.
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