It's always been super easy for me to hide behind my computer and the title of "Virtual" Assistant, but this weekend I acquired a really great reason to get out and meet people!

The National Association of Realtors had a HUGE meeting down in San Diego this weekend, which is about 2 hours from me. When I found out that my client, a Realtor in Virginia was going to be there, I jumped at the opportunity to meet with him in person.

Jim had not been giving me work lately, and the last two emails I sent were not responded to, but he did agree to meet with me for coffee, and guess what - it went GREAT. We sat at Starbucks and made plans for his business for the next 6 months, and it completely solidified our partnership, and my confidence has sky-rocketed (so much so that I think that's why I signed a new client today).

If you ever have the opportunity to meet with a client like this, even if you have to drive 2 hours to do it, do it because it can be so worth it. Now I need to set up a meeting with my client that is only 3 miles away that I've never met!

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

I actually do meet with one of my clients every week. He is NOT computer savvy or even literate. He knows how to add projects via basecamp and knows how to pay and email but other then that...he likes to meet face to face so we do it on Fridays to go over the week and see what is going on for the next week. He really appreciates that I can do so much via computer and does not hesitate to tell others about HIS find. He is awesome!! So, yes, if you get the opportunity, I would encourage it.

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Rebecca Thompson
CLR Virtual Connection * fanTABulous fan pages

I have one local client and she likes to schedule some of her retainer time as two hour meetings every once in awhile to go over things. I've also met with other potential local clients face to face. There is indeed great value in meeting face to face with clients. I also had one client who wanted me to fly to Vegas for one of the events he was showing at so I could get a better idea about his target market. Alas, he did not offer to pay for the flight so I couldn't see fitting it in as a business expense at that time. I imagine though that if I do make it to Vegas on my own in the near future that I will set up a time to meet with him to check out his store located in one of the major hotel/casinos there.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

I have one local client and did meet them before I started with them. If the chance ever arises to meet the others I surely will since I am all about F2F meetings. One client of mine in NJ is often in different parts of PA so when she makes her rounds again I will be sure to set up some time to see her and attend on of her events as well.

If I am ever in the locations of my clients I will be sure to set up a meet with them since I think it just adds another layer to the client relationship.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

This is a good idea to meet the client F2F. I like to put a face to the name. It gives me a better feel for the person.

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Regeana Canada
Mrs. G's Office-To-Go

If i do find a client where I currently live before relocating, I plan to take a day out of a schedule (probably a friday) where I fly over (the night before & spend the weekend with my parents) and set up a meeting with the client in our nearest largest town.
I keep it's very important to maintain F2F client relations, and I plan to do it evey 10-12 weeks....

HTH.

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Julia Neal ...because we ♥ admin!
http://julianeal.wordpress.com

I think F2F, if you can swing it, is essential for building relationships, obtaining referrals and growing your business. Some clients have expressed the feeling that they wouldn't be comfortable working with someone they'd never met, never had a chance to see if they "clicked" and could trust that person with their business affairs.

Lynne

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The Wordpro Wizard
www.wordprowizard.com

Meeting face to face with clients is great advice. Lynne, you make a good point about seeing if they "clicked" with clients. That can have a big affect on what your working relationship grows (or doesn't) grow into. And, trust on the part of your clients is essential.

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Gina Cozza
Invisible Business Solutions

I wonder if we can have the best of both worlds? For some clients it's just not realistic to meet F2F but a Skype video call might be helpful.

~Sandra

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Professional VA By Design
Your Work, Your Business, Your Life

I love to meet my clients face to face. I currently have 3 clients and one of them I meet with and work on site every Monday and the other two I meet with at least once a month. I am one of those people who likes to meet face to face and I am so much better at "selling my services" and "showing my personality" in person rather than on paper. I actually prefer local clients. There is another client I've met with twice; she wanted a personal assistant who could be available to her 24/7 and that is not me but we had such a great f2f meeting and clicked so well that she is trying to find a place for me within her business. Hopefully, she will be my number 4 client!

Any time you can arrange to meet f2f, I say make a point to do so! I think it is a good thing!

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Lori

P.S. As Sandra said, a Skype videoconference would be beneficial as well!

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Lori

Hello,

I have had clients who were unresponsive by phone and email but who really came alive and became interested in my services when we met face to face. Maybe it's because my enthusiasm showed through or that the conversation was very focused when we could filter out other distractions. Many of my clients are very verbal people who think by "talking it out" and are great at brainstorming over the phone and in person, but not so great at communicating by email or online, which is my specialty.

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Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke