Where do you like to hold business meetings? In your office? In a boardroom? In a hotel? In a bar?
What-in a bar?
Yes, there are some benefits that come from meeting a potential client or partner at a bar. Here’s what you need to know about choosing a bar as a venue for a business meeting.
RELAX. A bar is a relaxing environment. Your meeting will be less stressful if it takes place in a bar. A drink or two will relax everyone, and that usually benefits everyone. Be careful, half a dozen drinks wouldn’t do you any good. We will cover it later in this article.
GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER. In this relaxed atmosphere you can get to know the client or partner better. And he may get to know you better. Take advantage of this: Most business deals work best when you each understand what makes the other person tick, what to expect from them in the future.
MEET THE BAR. Having a meeting in an unfamiliar establishment can result in some funny but awkward situations. For example, it could be a karaoke night and hearing people singing their favorite songs like a howling wolf could make it difficult to concentrate in the meeting. Or it could be the hangout of a notorious motorcycle gang and turn out not to be a relaxing gathering after all.
CHOOSE A BAR WITH COURTEOUS STAFF. The bar you choose to meet will, to some extent, be a reflection of you and your character. Make sure the bar staff are courteous and efficient and not mistaken for members of the motorcycle gang.
SIT AWAY FROM THE SPEAKERS. If you have to shout to be heard, I have a bad feeling about the outcome of your business meeting. If your partner can’t tell the difference between the 50% down payment and the 15% down payment, be careful.
CHOOSE A WELL-LIGHTED BAR. Most of the bars are dimly lit. You want to be able to see your client and any related paperwork. At the other extreme, disco strobe lights would be distracting!
CHOOSE A BAR THAT SUITS BUSINESS MEETINGS. There are many bars that specifically cater to business meetings during the day. By choosing a bar like this, you’ll automatically avoid karaoke night, biker gangs, disco balls, and other unfortunate interruptions and distractions.
MEASURE OUR RHYTHM. Be careful not to drink quickly, especially if the customer is late or nervous. It is best to drink at the same pace as your client, unless he is drinking fast himself. If he’s drinking too fast, be sure to get the business out of the way quickly, while you can still pay attention and make proper decisions.
TO ENJOY. A bar is a place to enjoy, and the idea of having a business meeting in a bar is that you can better enjoy the experience. It sure beats sitting in a stuffy old boardroom. So enjoy.
