Meeting Clients

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited June 18 in AAT member discussion
This may sound silly but I am a newly registed MIP about to start advertising for new business and would like to know how you guys out there deal with meeting clients.

For example do you go to their place of business or do they come to yours? If you work from home does this mean they come to your home or do you meet at an independent location?

As a young(ish) female I am slightly concerned about this given the large number of oddballs in society and although I am sure this must be the norm would like to know if anyone has had similar worries or found a good way to build up a level of trust with clients....??

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Meeting Clients

    Can't agree more, but you mustn't worry unnecessarily. I am a not so young female, but understand where you are coming from. I meet some of my clients at home, if I know them or know of them - but sometimes my husband is at home anyway. Others I visit at their premises. Sometimes this means their home. If you are a little concerned, make sure you know a little about them and let someone know where you are going. If you feel uneasy at any time, end the meeting!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Meeting Clients


    hello
    when i started 18 months ago i gave all new clients the option of meeting at my house or their premises and pretty much everyone who works from home themselves wanted to meet at my house, whereas clients who have an industrial unit or office wanted me to go there, mainly because they had all their files & computer set up there. Now when I speak to a new small client I just say something like 'when would be a good time for you to bring your books round?' as it's easier for me than trying to find their house!
    I was also worried about strange men visiting the house, as it was often during the day when my husband's at work & I used to ask a neighbour to look out for me, but I have to say I've never ever had any probems and I don't really think about it any more. (I'm touching wood now!)
    What I found is after a while most of my clients are now from word of mouth, so it's less worrying knowing that he's 'so-and-so's' mate.
    I also found that a lot of people are happy to visit in the evening & it's obviously easier having someone home with you then, if you're worried about it.
    jodie
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Meeting Clients

    I agree - you need to be sensible but not over the top - I have never felt uncomfortable - yet - I am also a not so youngish female MIP working from home.

    Sad though isnt it that it is something that we all ought to be aware of.

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Meeting Clients

    Just a thought!

    Do any men ever feel this way?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Meeting Clients

    No.

    Although I can certainly understand it from a female perspective!

    My out look on it is that these people are coming to you for help... they've taken time to get in contact etc. why would they want to hurt you?

    Another thing that I find is that no matter who you speak to that is self employed, in my experience are intelligent, friendly people. Maybe that's just the neck of the woods I live in though!

    Regards

    Dean
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Meeting Clients

    I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one who had had this thought cross their mind. I was worried I was acting a little over the top. Of course I wouldn't let it stop me from going self-employed but I think its important you are always aware of potential risks.

    Your comments have certainly made me feel more comfortable with my plans. :D

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