Does anyone charge for client seminars and/or on-site meetings that are beneficial to YOUR business?

I recently went to a networking meeting with my client. She wanted to introduce me to her collegues, and to see if I was interested in joining, etc. I did not charge for that because I was asked five times for a business card. I learned from it, and found it beneficial to MY business.

She now wants me to attend one of her seminars so I can learn her business, and possibly network. (She's a networking junkie!) I am stuck on when to charge for these types of things and when not to.

Does anyone have local clients and run into the same situation?

Thanks much!

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Connie
www.mclconsultingservices.com

Interesting question Connie - I haven't had the opportunity to meet any of my clients in person, much less network with them at events such as the one you attended [how cool that you can! ] but I think I'd handle it much the same way you did - if it ends up being something that's beneficial to your business it might make sense not to charge for it - but I would go into any client-requested event with the assumption that I would charge for my time and adjust accordingly, as necessary.

Did any of those new contacts pan out for you?

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I guess you need to figure out if it worth your time to go. Are you actually getting good prospects or is this helping her business and networking.

However since she is a client it may be worth it to learn more about her business so that you can find other ways to help her or is she in a business where a JV is a possibility.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I charge the client if the client requests me to attend.

thats good idea or at least have them help wth the bill since they are requiring you to be there

also if you are at a seminar for one client what do you do about the rest of your client and calls while you are gone, I haven't started yet but all i have is home phone and trac fone . I do have verizon wireless but that eats up minutes fast