[mhueycpa]

Good morning All,

Hope all is well. For the professional folks out there still lingering around, like myself, happy tax season! For those on the come up, good luck on your exams!

I have an initial meeting with a prospective client (tax prep) coming up and I’m trying to find a decent place to have the meeting outside of my office. Does a diner suffice? Maybe a coffee shop? or should I do it at a restaurant? I’m stuck between not doing it at a coffee shop (too casual) but also don’t want to do something too fancy (not caring vs trying too hard, etc.). They have “upscale” diners ($30 for burger and fries), would that work? For those that may be in NYC, the meeting will be around Bryant Park.

I’ve done this once before, I took the client to a steakhouse, but he was the Executive Director of a Non-Profit, so the potential billings were much higher plus my work with the firm was more than just tax prep.

Also of note, this prospect was referred to me by a colleague, so I feel that the first impression factor not only impacts me but them as well.

Thank you all for your input.

THE 300 CLUB WILL DO JUST FINE!

[Recked]

Similar to a first date, dinner is a big investment of both time and money.
You may not click at all and then you are stuck struggling through a whole meal.
Coffee would probably be the least exposure. What is the reason for not having the client at your office, or going to the client's office?
Individual or business tax prep? If business I highly encourage you to visit their office to get a feel for how they work and how things run.

[mhueycpa]

Hi Recked,

Thank you for your response. Your responses are greatly appreciated. I don't have an office per se. I used to rent space in a coworking location. But I didn't generate enough revenue last tax season to justify the monthly expense. So now, I just have that as an address to get mail to. The client's office is an hour drive away (Long Island). He is coming into the city for a meeting so I'm trying to find a place where we can meet near his meeting. Prospect is a self-employed attorney, so hopefully both. He had recently asked me if I took weekend appointments. Should I ask him if he prefer that we meet at his office on a weekend date? I'm employed full-time as well. I have a tax prep side business that I'm trying to grow (adding this to preempt the possible “why can't you meet with him on the weekdays question). Thank you again.

THE 300 CLUB WILL DO JUST FINE!

[Tncincy]

I agree with Recked. Coffee is simple and a good relationship builder. You don't want to put out too much on a meet and greet, because it may come off as anxious and desperate for business. Though we all want new business, coffee is just simple and cheap. And you can add cheese cake or a sandwich if necessary. But land the deal and build a relationship with it.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Recked]

Shoot for coffee and if it works you can add food, or potentially transition to a bite to eat.

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

If you can meet him in Long Island, I recommend Dave and Buster's in Garden City or Round 1 in Hicksville. Nothing like closing a deal while playing Time Crisis together. Sounds crazy but I actually did that once.

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[Author]

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