Unique Places To Meet Clients, Prospects & Vendors

How To Become An Entrepreneur

1. Library It Up!

Where To Meet: Meeting at a local library and finding an empty study room is an awesome way to get a meeting done. It's a closed and private space with other motivated people working around you so it works as a great working environment
Thanks to: Danny Wong of Custom Men's Dress Shirts | BL.

2. Get Serious

Where To Meet: I never meet at Starbucks and/or other such public places. When I have a business meeting with someone, I want their complete attention and I want to be able to give them mine. So instead, I call up the nearest hotel or office park and negotiate leasing a nice conference room for the duration of the meeting. This way your prospect appreciates that you're taking this meeting seriously enough and they will too. Plus, it's more affordable than you think and definitely way more effective. TRY IT!
Thanks to: Mo Nariani of Joe Green Home Solutions Inc..

3. Just Go Out And Be Original

Where To Meet: Yes so it does have an effect where are you talking with the client and mutually working on some of these decisions,if we are talking about something "out of the office",It can be your dorm room, a coffee shop and a nice garden as well.But something which makes these meetings impact-full is the way you act as in whatever you promised online are you making things practical for them to understand,do they reply in the same manner as they did to your first business proposal on an email.Think of it!
Thanks to: Akash Sharma of Revenue Strategy Solutions Ltd..

4. Sailing Or Office? No Brainer

Where To Meet: I'm always looking for a reason to go sailing & if I can combine it with business, even better. I'm not a fan of conference rooms, shirts with collars & cubicles. To me they are creative drains. There is a feeling of freedom & relaxation while being on the water, and in my experience people seem to be a bit more laid back and open minded, resulting in better and more productive conversations.

I've had many sailing "bidness" meetings & plan on having many more. Plus, it complements the brand!
Thanks to: Rod Call of Snoloha.

5. Go For Comfort!

Where To Meet: Go for comfort in F2F biz meetings-but not yours. Focus on where you think your client will be most comfortable. Know enough about your client to determine if that is lunch, the golf course or over a drink. Making the client at ease will remove an initial barrier to communication. One caution-try to get the client out of her/his office to avoid interruptions. If you can't get them out of their office building, at least try for a conference room.
Thanks to: Linda Farley of Farley Training.

6. A Fountain Of Success

Where To Meet: The best place I ever held a meeting was sitting around a large fountain. You can find them in buildings as well as outside. The flowing water both relaxes and energizes the conversation. The ambiance is fun and full of life. Try it!
Thanks to: Kate Nasser of The People-Skills Coach, CAS, Inc..

7. Exercise Or WiFi...

Where To Meet: It depends on the needs of the meeting. The paved river path is my suggestion if we are just having a conversation. It gives us privacy and the scenery is calming and beautiful. If I need to use my computer then the local coffee shop has free wifi and everyone there is having a meeting or studying, so they are not interested in our conversation. Choosing a local coffee shop rather than a chain also supports other local small businesses.
Thanks to: Jan Schwartz of Education and Training Solutions.

8. Where The Mind And Heart Are

Where To Meet: Meet where it makes sense. If you are selling new fishing equipment, meet at the lake. Selling something for kids, meet where they meet. Go where they scene helps make the sale. You want to be able to guide the meeting with the environment. Make it part of the sale. Have examples you can use when you tell your story.

Our environment influences us. Use it to create an environment that helps the meeting go in the direction you want it to. Get the heart engaged and the mind soon follows
Thanks to: Scott Lovingood of The Wealth Squad.

9. Meeting At A Spa To Relax

Where To Meet: I am a ghost writer and a coach, so a Spa is a great way to meet for both. Sometimes your client just needs an excuse to relax and you are giving it to them. A good client that is stressed out is worth the money you spend, there are plenty of services that are not that expensive, you can get two for one services. If you do it right, you will have a loyal and grateful client and you will be relaxed too. Win - Win, that is always my favorite result.
Thanks to: Roxana Nunez of AvidDiva Coaching.

10. Meet At The Track

Where To Meet: My favorite place to meet a client, and meet new clients, is the racetrack. Formula racing attracts all the right people--everytime I go I meet more top executives from across the country. My favorite school is Bertil Roos Racing-they supply the Formula Ford race cars and travel up and down the east coast so it's pretty easy to book a flight for a big client. Obviously all clients are important but, given the expense involved, this meeting arena is reserved for clients with big spending budgets.
Thanks to: Brian Aitken of Alister & Paine, INC..

11. Fill 'er up

Where To Meet: While many won't admit it, most people love a good greasy bacon and egg breakfast. I've found breakfast meetings at the local small diner work incredibly well. Everyone gets to indulge a bit, gets fueled up for the day and conversation tends to be more relaxed and interesting. And, most people are less stressed early in the morning than they are at lunch, so it's a win-win.
Thanks to: Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk of BBR Marketing.

12. A Garden Get Together

Where To Meet: For face to face meetings, I like my garden. I have comfortable benches, a moon and stars firepit and tables in my natural space. People seem to enjoy being outdoors. Conversation,thinking and planning seem to have a natural and unforced rhythm. At the conclusion of the meeting, folks go home with seasonal produce and a plant or two. Visiting a garden, whether your own or a public space, is a welcome change from stale and usual meeting spots.
Thanks to: Tammy Brackett of Moonstruck Promotions.

13. Get Outside

Where To Meet: The key is to meet where you can speak freely, not be distracted by other activities or people interrupting.

I've found a place outside, with a bit of shade if I need to bring my laptop to discuss plans. Ideally, outside meetings are to free up your head, give a change of scenery inviting new ideas to flow. Some of my best meetings have been outside near a nature center in a local park - weather permitting.

Plan B for rain: Neutral territory conference room with a view. Shake it up.
Thanks to: Susan Finch of Susan Finch Web Solutions.

14. Close the Deal Spots

Where To Meet: What a great topic today closing the sale. There are two spots that close deals, the number one place deals are made is on the golf course! However, if you do not know how to play take a quick class. The golf course is not just for men, women close 87% more deal on the course. Think about the movie Bringing Down The House, Steve Martin closed the deal of his life. If you cannot do the golf thing, a coffee shop is another power closing spot, if you don't drink coffe you have other options.
Thanks to: Robin Hardy of Robin Hardy Christian Bus Conslt.

15. Timing is Everything

Where To Meet: As renowned social psychologist Robert Cialdini, PhD, reported the brain always has a highly-favorable reaction to information received while enjoying a delicious meal. Do small talk before the food arrives, and then present your case during the meal.
Thanks to: Sandy Dumont of The Image Architect.

16. Where Shall We Meet?

Where To Meet: The best place to meet is where your prospect or client suggests. The reasons are numerous. To fit your budget ask for a choice of venue. The most important reason is when the choice becomes theirs, it serves to build your relationship. The sales credo is "people buy from people they like". When you agree to meet at their favorite restaurant or coffee house, your client will be appreciative, more relaxed and interested in what you have to say. You will be headed for a smooth sale!
Thanks to: Elinor Stutz of Smooth Sale, LLC.

17. One Size Does Not Fit All

Where To Meet: Determining a meeting place for face-to-face interaction is based on many factors including, the personality (likes and dislikes) of the individual you are meeting, finding a mutually convenient location, the nature of business, appropriateness of location, your expected outcome, etc. Is this an old acquaintance or are you trying to establish a new relationship?

You can then decide if a coffee house, farmers market, hole-in-the-wall cafe, high-end bar or 5-star golf course is the right fit.
Thanks to: Greg Jenkins of Bravo Productions.

18. Volunteer Networking

Where To Meet: Volunteering at a local event is a great way to network for two reasons. First it shows you have common interests. Second if you're not great at starting a conversation, it's easy to talk about the organization you are helping out.
Thanks to: Leah Oviedo of Investing In Women.

19. Catch A Cup Of Coffee

Where To Meet: Meeting at a place such as Starbucks or Coffee Bean is very good because most people are relatively relaxed when having coffee or tea. If you meet for lunch you are risking a range of potential problems, including what the other person eats, the price range, getting spaghetti sauce on your clothes, which fork to use, yes or no to alcohol, who pays. And, obviously, with any meeting you want the circumstances to be as comfortable as possible in order to help forge a good business relationship.
Thanks to: Phyllis Zimbler Miller of Miller Mosaic Power Marketing.

20. Book It At The Library

Where To Meet: The library is a great place to have a meeting. You can network and do research at the same time. When you meet you have access to books, meeting rooms and audio learning material. Next to your business and credit card should be your library card.
Thanks to: Derrick Hayes of WOE Enterprises.

21. Go To A Neutral Corner

Where To Meet: The meeting place determines the importance of relationship. When I am meeting a new client, I like to make it convenient. For me, the best place I have found to hold a meeting away from my office is a coffee shop local to my prospective client. In this way there are few distractions and we are not too comfortable. In this way we may move along rapidly in a client focused manner. Once the foundations have been set, I am then quite comfortable meeting my client in his or her office.
Thanks to: Jeff Schoener of Neuo-Enhanement Strategies.

22. Leave 'em Laughing!

Where To Meet: Being that I work in the entertainment industry, I like to keep my meetings exactly that; entertaining! Try to arrange an event that is fresh, new, and related to why you are meeting in the first place. I like to bring people to premiers, cabarets, showcases, etc. This usually sparks fun, interesting, and pertinent conversations. Find a place where everyone can relax, let loose, and learn more about each other. If you can leave 'em laughing, they will remember you, and what you had to say! :)
Thanks to: Jenn Lederer of AFST Management.

23. Take Them To A Hotel

Where To Meet: To me, finding a centrally located, beautiful and spacious hotel lobby sitting area can be just perfect for a face-to-face meeting. They are often not crowded, they feel luxurious and you can usually find a place to sit that is private enough for your conversation. Plus, you don't have to worry about 'getting a seat' if the local Starbucks or Coffee Shop is usually busy at the time you plan to meet.
Thanks to: Payson Cooper of EasyMarketingSecrets.com.

24. Sunlight Stimulates Seed Ideas

Where To Meet: Now that it's spring, the best place to meet outside of the office is OUTSIDE. I recommend going for a walk in the park (or some other pleasant outdoor area) with a client. Sunlight stimulates the pineal gland, which makes people feel happier and also inspires their ideals and visions. Even if it's a cloudy day, walking and physical movement can help people move out of "boxy" or limited ideas, improving creative thinking. The companionship of a shared walk in fresh air is "refreshing"!
Thanks to: Laurel Clark of School of Metaphysics.

25. You'll Never Choke On Coffee!

Where To Meet: Lunch is messy. You may be trying to save face when you're stuffing your face! At a coffee meeting you can lay out your paperwork or open the laptop and relax. No worries about gluten-free this or that, low sodium etc., and your favorite flavors are always a conversation starter. My icebreaker is this: I usually invite colleagues and prospects to coffee, but I don't drink it! I always order hot chocolate. Best of all, you can treat your guest to the best without going broke!
Thanks to: Jim Bouchard of Think Like a Black Belt.

26. Clean & Cozy With Coffee

Where To Meet: You can't go wrong with setting up a one-to-one meeting with clients at a warm, cozy environment like a coffee house. Since Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts have put many independent coffee houses out of business, then I tend to prefer meetings at the more comfortable and quieter Starbucks, over the cartoonish colored, uncomfortable Dunkin Donuts.
Thanks to: Alexis Avila of Prepped & Polished.

27. Take A Hike!

Where To Meet: Well, at least a walk around the block. Most of us spend too much time sitting, staring at the computer screen or talking on the phone. Breathing shallowly, our brains do not operate optimally. Fresh air and movement frees up new ideas. However brief or slow-paced, you are in an environment where more honest and personal information is shared. In bad weather, meet for coffee at the mall and take it with you while you stroll. A walk is always a positive, memorable and rejuvenating experience.
Thanks to: Aysha Griffin of GreenRoads Realty LLC.

28. Take A Walk In The Park

Where To Meet: Get outside and enjoy the fresh air, which many times leads to fresh ideas! For meetings I will often suggest meeting in the park and taking a walk - this allows you to get some exercise while talking about that all important project or partnership. I find that being active also unleashes GREAT ideas and inspiration and can lead to better discussions. Sometimes I suggest just going for an easy stroll and sometimes I suggest going for a more intense hike. All in all its a LOT of fun!
Thanks to: Susan M Baker of Escape Hatcher.

29. Rooftop For Success

Where To Meet: If the client & budget warrants, view a Chicago Cubs baseball game from a rooftop venue. Unique (for the most part) to Chicago and is great fun - drinks/food and game for one price. The experience and memory lasts a life time - and hopefully the guy or gal that brought you there too.
Thanks to: Jeffrey Weber of Jeff Weber Ventures.

30. Empty Stomach...Meeting? Nah..

Where To Meet: Most successful meeting outcomes are over Luncheon. Believe you me feed your gastronomical juices with gourmet food, invite feel good factor to your moods, ease up hesitation and make great decisions.

Half battle is won by accepting to meet up for lunch. Acceptance is way of saying we trust each other. Go ahead!

A word of caution... Dinner & Bar meetings are usually non- conclusive as you get time to sleep over and forget half of what is discussed & agreed.

Enjoy!
Thanks to: Naresh Vij of Kaveri Consultants, India.

31. Support Other Businesses

Where To Meet: I meet at local coffee shops (locally owned - not nationwide chains)to help support other local businesses and the local economy. Theses businesses have also become my referral partners since I consistently bring them new customers. This makes it a Win/Win for all three people ~ the Coffee Shop owner gets new business, the potential client now knows a great place to meet, and I get future business from the shop owner.
Thanks to: Dotty Scott of Premium Websites, LLC.

32. Invite Them To Dinner!

Where To Meet: Someone once told me, if you want to get to know someone better, invite them to dinner! Doesn't matter if it's at your house or a restaurant, make it dinner and enjoy yourself!
Thanks to: Sally Shields of The Daughter-in-Law Rules.

33. Bibliophiles: Meet For Busines

Where To Meet: I like meeting in the public library. The sight of all that knowledge, volume after volume of it, lends gravitas to the subject being discussed. The tables are big; the light, illuminating; and the atmosphere, conducive to the most serious of topics. (Plus the librarians are paid to help if you need information.)
Thanks to: Marlene Caroselli of Principled Persuasion.

34. Walk 'n Talk

Where To Meet: When the office or coffee shop won't do, I head to the street. Here we're blessed with paved paths near the waterfront that lead to a sculpture garden. A walking meeting for two people can be very useful for several reasons: it’s cheap, you get the added bonus of burning off a few calories, and sometimes you think more creatively if you’re moving. Plus if you have a difficult conversation ahead, now you’re walking side-by-side which is less confrontational than literally face-to-face.
Thanks to: Karen Howe of Mindbloom.

35. Make Them Feel At Home

Where To Meet: If running a service business, I've found it's best to try and meet with a client at their home, if possible. They are less stressed than in an office setting and you are usually meeting with them after work anyway, when they will be more relaxed and open to suggestions. They can also get their spouse involved in the discussion, which is great because everything is out in the open and everyone is on the same page. Give them some control, meet your clients at their homes.
Thanks to: Anthony Adams of Dallas Tree Trimming.

36. Fulfill Their Deepest Desire

Where To Meet: I find that most business clients and prospects are shy about making arrangements to go to places they've always wanted to go. I ask people where they haven't been that would delight them, and arrange for meetings in those places. It's great fun!
Thanks to: Donald Mitchell of The Four Hundred Year Project.

37. Come See Me On Stage

Where To Meet: I perform Improv in San Francisco and L.A. You get up on stage, ask for a suggestion from the audience, and create a scene from nothing. Invite your clients and prospective clients to come see you on stage. They will see your quick thinking. Your ability to think of solutions. Your courage. Your ability to tackle a new situation. Your joy. Your sense of humor. Your teamwork. They will want to work with you because they'll know you'll work hard to find creative ways to make your business succeed.
Thanks to: Pamela Hawley of UniversalGiving.

38. Catch More Than Fish!

Where To Meet: While not always the most convenient place for a business meeting, I have had successful business meetings while on a fishing expedition. One advantage to having a meeting on a boat is that the person that you are meeting can't easily end the meeting early. Just make sure that the person that you are meeting with doesn't get sea sick!
Thanks to: Eric Kates of MortgageLeads.com.

39. Quiet Please

Where To Meet: I'm a personal productivity coach and I find that the best meeting place is not the golf course or Starbucks or any other active location. When people come to me, they are overworked, stressed and often overwhelmed. The best location for a 1:1 meeting is one that is quiet enough for us to not have to concentrate to talk. One that is relaxing but not so much that you would fall asleep. My favorite location is a local bakery (Kelly's) that is quiet, has comfortable seating and great food.
Thanks to: Stephanie Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc..

40. Sandy Shores....

Where To Meet: OK, I know this is pretty unconventional, and I haven't done it YET, but I LOVE the beach. The sound of the waves lapping up on the shore is very calming to me. I think I'd like to try a meeting out in the sunshine with the wind and waves as the backdrop...NOW...what to wear??? That's a whole other story?!?!?!
Thanks to: Jocelyn Wiebe of AmeriPlan.

41. Let's Do Lunch!

Where To Meet: A quiet coffee shop or restaurant is a great place for a business meeting. Sharing a meal is an excellent way to build rapport with a client or potential partner; also, you get to see how they behave in a non-office setting. How do they treat people? Can they focus? The change of venue also tends to spark creativity, a useful benefit!
Thanks to: Stephen Balzac of 7 Steps Ahead.

42. Depends (What A Catchy Title!)

Where To Meet: Well depends on the purpose, time, season, relationship and the client's choice. If it's first time/intro meeting or a meeting where I need to give them some presentation to get my point across - Starbucks or a bookstore like B&N.

If its a follow-up meeting with an existing client, depending on our relationship, I try to spot what they like and enjoy the most from previous conversations and make an offer (baseball game, happy hour, golf, batting cage) they (almost) can't refuse.
Thanks to: Devesh Dwivedi of Entrepreneur In Making .

43. Relax & Explore

Where To Meet: When meeting face to face make sure it is a relaxing environment. One that you can get to know each other without being in the office. That could be at Star Bucks or a place to eat someplace that is comfortable for the both of you.
Thanks to: Tricia Dycka of Tricia Dycka.

44. Where Shall We Rendezvous?

Where To Meet: Ah yes - the face-to-face. My preference is to meet at a client's preferred place. Why? This gives me some additional insight about them. I've had people recommend Panera Bread, Starbucks, Silver Diner, their home, my home. Just like each one of these places has it's own ambience, so does each person. And for me, someone who values variety, it adds fun to the process.
Thanks to: Patricia Weber of Business Coach for Introverts.

45. Fill 'er Up!

Where To Meet: I meet clients at coffee shops--but not just ANY coffee shop! I stay away from big chains, as the local small business coffee shops are generally quieter & more friendly. They are happy you chose their shop & don't mind if you stay a while. They appreciate the business & know a good experience can lead to continued visits. Large chain stores tend to play the music too loud, which is distracting when you're trying to talk business. I like supporting the community & other small businesses, too.
Thanks to: Kim Smith of Dramatic Design.

46. Tea For Two

Where To Meet: Tea houses are my favorite off-site locations if meeting with a fellow tea aficionado. Unlike coffee shops, tea spots seem quieter, less frantic. (Perhaps the reduced caffeine levels?) Tea lovers are a minority in this country, and sharing a cup of tea creates a sense of camaraderie with another who appreciates this ancient beverage. I've met in many a coffee shop and tea spot, and the tea meetings invariably forge stronger connections.
Thanks to: Mistina Picciano of Market It Write.

47. Coffee Anyone?

Where To Meet: Coffee Houses are by far THE place to meet clients/customers. I work from home and don't like the idea of having strangers or potential customers know where I live, so meeting at our local coffee house is convenient and comfortable. Most coffee houses have WIFI, big comfy chairs and give an atmosphere that is business casual. I find clients relax and open up more and if you're on a budget like many small companies, treating your client to a cup of coffee is an expense anyone can afford!
Thanks to: Marianne Impal of RaeCole.

48. Break Bread To Build Trust

Where To Meet: Since I operate a home based business to reduce overhead, I meet with vendors and business contacts over lunch or dinner which helps us get to know each others business, expectations and to build bonds of trust. My clients often prefer to meet on their own turf or at a location of their choosing such as a real estate office or community clubhouse. I think it is important to spend the time to get to know the people you interact with.
Thanks to: Esther Denn of eDenn Property Management, Inc..

49. The Coffee House

Where To Meet: When not in the office, I prefer meeting at a coffee house because the environment lends itself to a casual, yet professional context. As many business professionals go to places like Starbuck's and Dunkin Donuts for a morning buzz, this place becomes ideal to talk business because businessmen feel comfortable here. There is food available, often free internet, and an unlimited caffeine supply. Getting work done becomes a little easier even though you are out of your office.
Thanks to: Mark Hall of Input Ladder.

50. Moms Go Mobile At McDonald's

Where To Meet: I'll be the first to admit that meeting at McDonald's is not as chic as cappuccino at a coffee shop but it's the best of both worlds when you're a work from home mom. The children get to come along and play while I meet with clients at my mobile office complete with laptop, internet, and smartphone. Even with teleconferencing, there is no substitute for meeting face-to-face. I value client relationships and what better way to build trust than a meetup where I get to be both Mommy and CEO.
Thanks to: Benita Tyler of TBS USA Accounting and Tax Advising.

51. Meet Me You Know Where!

Where To Meet: I believe the best place to come to a face-to-face business meeting is at a restaurant. There you can talk business over a cup of coffee and breakfast, or ice tea with lunch or over a glass of wine and dinner. You can relax and enjoy yourself with your business prospect (s) with the face-to-face business meeting.
You can pick what you want to eat and drink and you all can be yourselves. I believe that would be the best place to meet. As they say meet me, you know where.
Thanks to: Sheila A Caruso of AVON.

52. No Room For Distraction

Where To Meet: Meeting face-to-face other than my office- don't choose anyplace where you are not that person's top priority, as well as them being yours. You want their undivided attention as you're speaking to them. Choose a local park on a nice day under a large shade tree, maybe a stroll on a local nature trail, possibly even a room at your local library where it's quiet. When meeting w/a potential or current client, there is no room for distractions & this way you're getting fresh air/exercise.
Thanks to: Janette Buckhaulter of Success Transcripts.

53. There's Always Room For Help

Where To Meet: One great strategy for home-based/SOHO entrepreneurs to find office / meeting space is to hook-up with a local non-profit group. It's easy to find a non-profit that could use your help & in return be willing to let you use their conference room or office once in awhile.

It's a win-win situation! They win by getting your sector expertise! You win when your authority/respect from clients goes up as they learn about your association with the non-profit org! You win with a place to meet!

Thanks to: Kenny Jahng of Big Click Syndicate LLC.

54. Match Location To Meeting Type

Where To Meet: The right venue for a meeting is determined by whom you are meeting and what you are trying to accomplish. If it is a big potential customer, meet that person for lunch or dinner at a nice restaurant. If it is a third party partner, meet for a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. If the meeting involves more people than can be comfortable in either of these venues, consider renting a meeting room at a local hotel.
Thanks to: JR Rodrigues of Job Hunt Express.

55. Where To Hold Meetings? Hmm...

Where To Meet: Once a month we get together for Ken McArthur's Local JV Hook Ups at Panera Bread. There we mastermind for about three hours.

I prefer another restaurant instead. It's a local, family owned Italian joint- been around since 1977/78. Plus, they are a prospective client of ours, so why not endear myself to them by patronizing them more often, right?

They have good food, great Happy Hour specials... and the beer "ain't" too shabby either.

I don't golf, so that's out of the question.
Thanks to: Kevin Puls of Puls Marketing Group.

56. "Putting on the Ritz"

Where To Meet: When selecting a venue, I lean toward a facility that will help accomplish the goal I set for the meeting. I often select the dining room of an upscale hotel or club (university, country, yacht, etc.). These are usually impressive facilities and conducive to doing business. They invariably make the client feel special, particularly if you call ahead. Unless I'm looking to cement a relationship, I stay away from golf or other sports activities, as they are too distracting for meaningful dialog.
Thanks to: Michael Sisti of Sisti & Others, Inc..

57. Let's Go To The YMCA

Where To Meet: As the Village People sang "YMCA," I invited a client to come to a gym once. I was going to workout, and he just happened to be in the mood to, so we agreed to meet at the YMCA, since he was a member. The meeting went very well.

My client was happy to note my being health conscious. He told me if I was going to be health conscious, that would reflect on my work ethics as well. So he hired me.
Thanks to: Harry Husted of Creating Words.

58. Early Bird Special

Where To Meet: I love to meet new people at a local diner. Enjoy a cup of coffee and/or grab a bite to eat. Nothing more common ground.
Easy to write things down, you have room to spread things out if need be and get this.. The Early Bird Specials always offer quieter surroundings and if you plan on picking up the check well we all know what that means.. ;-) Then there is always Happy Hour... What can I say I'm cheap.. I mean frugal!! ;-)






Thanks to: JoAnn Donahue of Donahue Development.

59. Combine Lunch & Business

Where To Meet: I love an excuse to combine business and lunch. A small coffee shop where you can talk on a personal level. When the meal comes, you can then "chew the fat", as it were. New ideas can be hashed over as well. It's a time for a meeting of the minds. See how this might be beneficial to body, mind and spirit?
Thanks to: Carolyn Bartz of SECRETS OF CAT ATTITUDE REVEALED.

60. Home Away From Home For Biz

Where To Meet: You need more than 1 "satellite office" for different purposes. Perhaps a conference room or adjunct office space for client meetings that need more quiet & confidentiality. For more social/let's learn more about each other meetings, Starbucks is fine because it is ubiquitous. However, many folks, including me, dislike their coffee. While I substitute ice tea, be prepared for other options should your invitee object. Panera Bread, Lavazza, Caribou or a neighborhood cafe work equally well!
Thanks to: Elene Cafasso of Enerpace, Inc. Executive Coaching.

61. At The Beach

Where To Meet: I take people to where I live and work...at the beach. Sitting at a restaurant overlooking the beach is always good regardless of whether you like sand and sea. Why? Because it's a break from the ordinary, a fresh perspective. By riding my bicycle there, I'm reinforcing my brand - walking my talk so to speak. Maybe you can't go to the beach but you can find someplace nearby that's a refreshing break from the ordinary. Make it a beach day whatever that looks like for you!
Thanks to: Diana Taylor of Pug At The Beach.

62. Coffee And Dessert Please

Where To Meet: A good coffee shop is ideal. It's quiet and there are plenty of choices for coffee and dessert. This would be a perfect place to discuss business matters. A Starbucks would be even more ideal, since there are so many, it's nearly impossible not to find one at any major city or even a very small town such as the one I live in. The idea is to find a shop where the distractions are at a minimum and attention to the matters at hand are at a maximum.
Thanks to: Edwin Soler of Libreria Berea.

63. Trendy, Hip, And Safe!

Where To Meet: This sang to me as I DO often use a local coffee shop as a meeting place when my office assistant is out. The shop is the hip place to meet in town with WiFi,tables,chairs so bringing the laptops along is easy breezy. I think this says that I am a cool person! Also, they have coffee, sodas, snacks, at the ready-sharing a treat can help break the ice. And lastly, meeting in a public place where I am known by name is safer--on the small chance that the other person isn't legit.
Thanks to: Sandy Wheeler of Sandy Wheeler Travel Specialties.

64. Coffee Is Where It's At

Where To Meet: I still truly think the best place to meet someone face to face is at a coffee place or of course the almighty Starbucks. The atmosphere is a great place for one but you can also get work done while you sit there and talk about a project. You can use your computer and sip a nice latte at the same time. I think meeting at a causal place helps you relax and I always seem to get aha moments at little coffee joints. It's nice because it's away from the office but you can still get your work done.
Thanks to: Ashley Bodi of BusinessBeware.Biz.

65. Outdoor Meetings - Refreshing

Where To Meet: Most of my business meetings include discussions of innovations and creative ideas. When meeting off-site, I look for an environment that fosters creative thinking while keeping the discussions confidential. I've found that an outdoor environment is a refreshing change from an office and often sparks new ideas. Consider parks, hiking trails and boat rentals for a refreshing change of pace. My clients have developed some fantastic innovations while meeting in local parks.
Thanks to: Steve Sponseller of Innovation Strategies, Inc..

66. A Public Place Is Perfect

Where To Meet: As a female entrepreneur, when I need to meet clients, I always opt for a very public venue such as a coffee house or somewhere where there are outside tables. A bookstore with inside tables and chairs works o.k. too. This provides safety and a neutral environment.

Of course this works because I live in So. California. For a colder climate, perhaps a casual restaurant would work well.
Thanks to: Michelle Hill of Winning Proof.

67. Rent A Coffee Space...

Where To Meet: Depends...

A good diner or coffee bar if it is a 'less formal' venue.

Always 'flexible meeting rooms' very close to where the contact arrives on their train or plane for formal ones.
Thanks to: Marc Lawn of The Business GP.

68. Meet Them Where They Work

Where To Meet: I find that the most useful location to have an off site business meeting is at the other person's business. This opportunity allows me to get a glimpse into how the other entrepreneur works and how they do business in their own environment. It is usually quite an eye opening experience and sometimes full of surprises. Next time turn the tables around and suggest you meet at their office. You won't regret getting an insider look into what makes them tick and how they do business.
Thanks to: Maureen Campaiola of DARE To Be Phenomenal.

69. Charming, Central, Good Coffee

Where To Meet: More of a plug for one of my favorite places in town (Austin, Texas that is...) But there are some key things when setting a meeting - charming place, central location (downtown) quiet enough and is the coffee good?

I think we are all over Starbucks and like to support local businesses as entrepreneurs, although it's easy...but it's nicer to sit somewhere a little more beautiful. Walton's Fancy & Staple, owned by Sandra Bullock is my spot: http://www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com/about.aspx
Thanks to: Nichole Wright of Bon Vivant Events, PR & Fundraising.

70. Gin & Tie-nic

Where To Meet: As a young, new business owner, I'm sometimes intimidated meeting clients in a stuffy, corporate office. I prefer to meet somewhere neutral, like a quiet bar or pub. A few drinks in a relaxed setting is conducive to getting to know the real person - and, subsequently, it makes it easier to seal the deal. Plus, the drinks are on me. Who can resist?
Thanks to: Mikey Rox of Paper Rox Scissors.

71. Get Happy!

Where To Meet: Happy hours are great for a face-to-face. Some really high-end places have dirt cheap appetizers during happy hour, so you can look good and pick up the tab for cheap (very TPE IMO)! Bonus, get to know the bartenders before hand and they will make sure you look good. They also know a million people and are great for leads.
Thanks to: Nick Fill of Flagrant-T.

 

Compiled by Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

Category: Marketing Like Mad, Recommendations, The Back Office
Tags: , , , , , , , , , .
  • http://www.vivavirtualassistants.com Ivonne Vazquez

    Where to Meet? For me it depends on Client & location
    1. First time clients, I ask what works for them – sometimes they don’t have the time to get away & prefer to meet in-house
    2. Perhaps they have a place where they feel comfortable – a favorite coffee house or sandwich shop
    3. If there’s a relationship – online or by phone.

    • http://www.ToiletPaperEntrepreneur.com Mike Michalowicz

      @Ivonne -Thank you for that. I agree it depends on the stage of the relationship! Really good input… THANKS!

  • http://www.creativeworkplace.com Stephanie Ringer

    We believe that if you have the stage, with a client or prospective client, then you need to give it your best shot. WorkShop’s “Edison Club” is an opportunity for people to have their one on ones at a creative place, schedule their own meetings online, have great coffee and have a creative environment instead of Starbuck’s or some other coffee shop. This is a creative meeting facility that has smaller one on one rooms that really help you present your idea. The colorful atmosphere puts a smile on people’s face when they walk in, so now you have an open minded prospective client. Anyone in the Louisville metro area can join by calling 502-583-8555.