Discussion:Lunch Meetings

I understand that you aren't supposed to eat at these things, so should I just order something simple and small? Or just stick to beverages?

What about the bill? Do we go dutch? Do I have the waiter intercept the bill for me? If I pick up the bill, do I invoice her for it later like a lawyer? It's bad form to let the client pay for you, correct? I've always declined in the past if the client wanted to buy my coffee or the like.

I think I've got the business/presentation aspect down.

Thanks in advance for the help.

However, it's set, so.. If he's calling it lunch, then you eat. He should pick up the bill, if he set up the appointment for lunch. But carry some money for two, just in case he has no etiquette.

I wouldn't sweat this too much. In my expereince, anything that starts in a non-standard way, you are looking at a "nut" for a client. If he is rude enough to take cell phone calls during the meeting, I double my warning. If he says something like this during the meeting "I'm always busy and I never have any time" I triple my warning. P.S. I should add that I'm in the South, and things are still more traditional here than in the rest of the country.

I agree with Crow that the client should pay for the lunch since she invited you. You take the cues from her as far as ordering, e.g., if this person isn't going to have dessert, then neither should you.

Definitely eat – follow the normal “recruiting” dinner rules (something easy to eat, that you don’t eat with your hands, and that you can cut up in small bites because she’s bound to ask a question just as soon as you start to chew; order from the middle of the menu – not the cheapest, not the priciest; and if you can check out the menu online before you go, all the better, as you may not have much time to look at the menu if she’s asking questions and the waiter comes too quickly…), and I agree with Crow and Natalie – the inviter (she) should pay, but be prepared to toss in enough cash for half or to pick it up 100% if that’s the way it looks like it’s going (let her take the lead when the bill comes).

Hmm, what else… Avoid side dishes as they take up space on the table you might want for your presentation materials/notepad. If you have a chance to select the table, go for a corner or wall or someplace that looks quieter so you can be sure to hear her, and at the same time you’d rather not be overheard…

If she gives you details that you need to retain, but you don’t really have a chance to take good notes, why not ask her to send you an e-mail afterward confirming/recapping the conversation about “X” or “Y” – the way she reacts to that request should also tell you a little about the kind of client she’ll be.

(I’ll wait until later to tell you about the time I thought I was having a business lunch but the person who invited me had other ideas…caught me completely by surprise!)

Good luck!

The meeting went well. We had the meeting at 4pm, so we had the place to ourselves. The only hitch was that the client had me order first. I choose a salad with grilled chicken, she had an appetizer, so I was worried I blew menu parity. It worked out well in the end. She wouldn't even let me leave a tip.

Oh yeah, I signed up the client. It's going to be a fair bit of work. The books need to be done from 3q 07. At least I got payroll current earlier this year. The business has more then doubled over last year, so there won't be a lack of work. In a year or so, it might be close to full time work. There was no haggling about the fee, so either I charged too little, or the client is going to be a good one to work with. I was worried about the client balking, so I went on the low side of the Intuit fee survey.

Crow- Thanks for the lookout! I've done work for the client before on behalf of another employer, so she isn't exactly new. I was a little surprised when she called up to switch to my service. I should've added that earlier.

Natalie- I'm working out of a home office right now, but my room mate is unemployed at the moment, and I just didn't want clients around for that. I've been looking around for a "hot sheets" office (by-the-day office?) should I need it, but I just don't have enough business for an office of my own.

Trillium- You were right about the relationship issue. She got burned by her previous accountant when she started her business last year, and she was sounding me out. It was a general conversation. Mostly focused on who does what, some general planning issues, and a couple of pressing deadlines.

BEG- I booked it as a Sadie Hawkins appointment so Emily's ghost won't haunt me till the end of my days.

For your downloading and reading pleasure kind Sirs.