How many of you have met clients face to face? Especially non-local clients, local would be easy, lol!

I have a new (and really nice sounding client - about 10 hrs per week, friendly guy, media comp) and he's suggested he'd love for us to meet up in person sometime - he says he'll come to where I am! Would you be comfortable with that? He does a lot of business travel anyway and it would be interesting but a little different for me.

Thanks for sharing any stories/info.

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Laurie
Halo Blog and My Blog About Being a WAHM

I knew one of my clients before he was a client (so he doesn't really count), and have met two others since their becoming my clients. Both times were on planned trips to the same areas where they operate.

It's pretty cool to have developed an on-line work relationship with these gentlemen and to have a very cool experience meeting them since. One took me on a tour of all the properties he is working on and I was able to offer some insight on the properties.

I don't think I would go alone if I hadn't 'known' them through working with them for a while. My husband went with me on one trip, but I went on my own for the other.

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Kathy Crofoot
http://www.kathycrofoot.com

I wouldn't rule it out. But I would opt to meeting the client at a neutral location, unless you are comfortable with having them come to your home.

I think we should have an occassional face-to-face meeting, if possible, with our clients. It's just good business. Or, offer an online meeting to show-off your online meeting skills.

A virtual assistant is basically someone you don't have working in your office. It doesn't mean you can't meet the clients or deliver products personally.

I have one client I see routinely and another I see about once per month, if needed.

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

Seeing them is fine, but I agree with a neutral location. I wouldn't recommend a coffee shop though - why not call an office service that rents out offices by the hour and arrange to meet there. It would give a much more professional appearance and you'd have control of the meeting because it is on "your turf" so to speak.

I have gone to clients' homes, but most of my clients are women so it's not a huge issue.

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Julia

Hi Laurie,

I don't meet with my clients face to face. I'm sure many VA"s do, it's just not something I offer for my clients. I started my Virtual Assisting Career so I could be Virtual and offer Virtual Services. One of our really good friends has a Mechanic Shop, I help him out with his book-keeping, and I even have him send me items via fax or internet. And, he only lives/works about 3miles from me.

I agree that it would be interesting when your dealing with a client via phone, email or IM - to be able to put a face with the voice. But, it doesnt bother me to bad not knowing, lol.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't. It's just not something I want to start with my Practice. Everyone views things differently. Go with your gut feeling! If you feel ok about it - go for it! A meet-up could help you understand and get a better idea for this clients needs.

So, I think its up to you and how you feel about it


P.S. Practice up on your boxing skills before you go - just in case. LOL j/k!

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Kena~
Everyone smiles in the same language

I'm open with meeting my clients face-to-face but I must work with them for around 6 months or more before I can probably trust them and agree to meet them in person.

It would be great to talk face to face and really see them in person.

But I agree with Kena that you must always be cautious when meeting strangers. hehehe. Do practice your boxing skills

I would meet with him. I have had several clients that are local and one that lived about 2 hrs from me. We did meet face-to-face in my home to go over what their initial needs and wants were. They got a good idea of how down-to-earth I am and how I operate. I think it is a good idea, but I definitely wouldn't go alone. This is my two cents worth!

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Michelle
Mid-Knight Business Solutions

These are really good suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

Oh wow. I live in Philadelphia, PA and have never had a local client. I currently have a client in Massachusetts, one in Wisconsin, one in PA, but not Philadelphia, one in New Jersey and one in North Carolina. I'd love to go and see all of them if they would pay my fare. lol

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! My gut tells me it will be fine to meet him - I highly doubt he's going to spend the money to fly to Alberta from either California or New York (his two primary bases for work right now) just to attack me. A little too well documented and he's well aware I have a husband and children. He suggested possibly a weekend meeting so I could invite him to my home while my husband is here, but more likely I would suggest that we meet up somewhere at least the first time.

I love the virtual concept but definitely am not hung up on ONLY being virtual, lol! In fact this client may be having me attend trade shows or conferences occasionally so I'd definitely likely meet him sometime in person regardless.

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Laurie
Halo Blog and My Blog About Being a WAHM