MEETINGS are a common place for all business leaders. They allow seller and the buyer to discuss the requirements, expectations, capabilities, budgets and plans. Etc.
While they are necessary, meetings have PROPER places to take place and that is OFFICE or BOARDROOM and no where else!
Unfortunately most black South African entrepreneurs have changed this. They meet with prospect clients and business partners at high end restaurants. This behaviour was first pioneered by tenderpreneurs who met procurement managers in secret meetings away from the official eyes, to transact corruptly. This was later adopted by a second wave of entrepreneurs who wanted to DISPLAY deep pockets and to secure business through the stomach making the prospect client drink and dine the finest food and drinks.
In both above scenarios, the restaurant produced obese businessmen and drained them the much needed cash.
If you want to be taken seriously and professional….hold meetings in the office or boardroom. This creates a corporate image and actually places you in a position to produce documents and files on the spot and this will get you signed quickly into business.
Restaurant meetings are sloppy, disorganized and wait for the following day to action the decisions….so they delay your action and reaction.
If you must take clients out for entertainment, take the for that and not to make presentations and all
Office retains profit, while restaurants contribute to losses.
