Initial Consultation (Meeting)

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Permalink Reply by Soulful Engagements on January 12, 2010 at 11:24am

From a bride's point of view I know, I preferred to meet vendors who did not have an office in a neutral location the first time just for safety reasons. We met one vendor at their home (didn't know it was a home office until we got there) and we were a little sketched out, and had I been by myself I would not have gone in.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Aaron on January 13, 2010 at 11:18am

The majority if not all the wedding planners I know who don't have external offices meet potential clients in a coffee shop. They are located everywhere for the clients convenience and usually have wifi if it's needed. I will also use coffee shops as a meeting ground on occasion; but if it is convenient for the client I prefer a place that will give them a better taste of who I am for that first meeting. (after all they will be sizing me up just as much as I am trying to learn about them.) I tend to lean towards meeting them in a lovely decorated tea room usually located within a nice hotel that will help encourage the client to start thinking about venue options.

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Permalink Reply by Yvonne L on January 14, 2010 at 12:30am

Thank you Sandra and Soulful, I had a feeling that I would probably be sitting in a Starbucks or another coffee house with meetings. Now if I can find a big enough Starbucks where I don't feel claustrophobic.
Sandra, I like your way of thinking with the decorated tea room. I will definetly consider that type of meeting as well.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa on January 14, 2010 at 10:56am

I also meet in a nice cafe. What I have discovered recently that works great for me is an organization here in Baltimore called the Beehive. It is a community of freelancers and entrepreneurs who share a common workspace. The space is very business like and it's located in a beautfully designed building and the hours are very flexible. I can pay a basic membership of $25, which allows my a nice office space to meet my potential client. You may want t check your area to see if there's a community like Beehive in your area. I've now decided I going to find a location about 350 - 500 sq ft to set-up shop. I want to have the space not just to meet clients but to hold other events to attract business.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Aaron on January 14, 2010 at 11:53am

Congratulation on being able to take the step of looking for your own space. That's wonderful.

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Permalink Reply by Yvonne L on January 14, 2010 at 9:49pm

Hi Melissa,
I just went online and here in NYC they call it The Hive. I am going to look into it. It will add a somewhat professional touch. Congrats on your decision to find a new location. I too hope to do the same, but open a bridal shop and unite both planning and everything else, sort of a one stop deal. But one thing at a time. Now to land some clients!!!

Thanks to all who replied!!! I'm so happy I joined this!!!

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Permalink Reply by Glen Shevlin on January 14, 2010 at 11:34am

In the MArkham ONtario area, just north of Toronto, we have a couple of busineses that provide office space for rent/lease probably similar to teh beehive idea Mellisa posted, these cost more but are kept updated with the all the ells and whistles and are available as you need them on your hours. We have needed them on occasion and they work well. You should check into the business idea and see if anybody is doing it in your neck of the woods.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Aaron on January 14, 2010 at 11:51am

They do this in Toronto as well. I actually have a mailing address at the Board of Trade and access to use their meeting rooms and business resources. I've never used it for an initial meeting though.

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Permalink Reply by Gabbi Grace Events by Lisa Smith on January 15, 2010 at 4:43pm

Some cities have Virtual offices you can rent for $10 to $25 about the same amount if you decide to offer a client something to eat or drink at a coffee house or cafe both are also good places to meet however depending on the location and time of day it can become very busy and loud. If you have an established vendors list you maybe able to ask one of the managers of the ceremony/ reception venue if you could use one of their facility to host your meeting as well as showcase their facility.

Also New York has some truly amazing hotels you may also be able to use one of the hotel lobbys..Good Luck!!

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