Where do you like to hold business meetings? In your office? In a boardroom? In a hotel? In a bar?

What – in a bar?

Yes, there are some benefits that come from knowing a potential client or partner in a bar. This is what you need to know about choosing a bar as a place for a business meeting.

CHILL OUT. A bar is a relaxing environment. Your meeting will be less stressful when held in a bar. One or two drinks will relax everyone, and that is usually an advantage for everyone. Beware: a half dozen drinks will not benefit you. We will cover that later in this article.

GET TO KNOW OTHERS TO OTHERS. In this relaxed environment, you can get to know the customer or partner better. And he can get to know you better. Take advantage of this: most commercial deals work best when everyone understands what makes the other person work, what to expect from them in the future.

KNOW THE BAR. Having a meeting in an unfamiliar establishment can result in some comical, but uncomfortable situations. For example, it could be a karaoke night, and listening to people sing their favorite songs like a howling wolf could make it difficult to concentrate at the gathering. Or it could be the meeting place of a notorious gang of motorcyclists and, after all, it is not a relaxing meeting.

CHOOSE A BAR WITH PERSONAL COURTEOUS. The bar you choose to find will be, to some extent, a reflection of you and your character. Make sure the bar staff is courteous and efficient, and do not confuse them with members of the biker gang.

SITTING OF LOUDSPEAKERS. If you have to shout to be heard, I have a bad feeling about the outcome of your business meeting. If your partner cannot determine the difference between the 50% down payment and the 15% down payment, be careful.

CHOOSE A GOOD LIT BAR Most bars are dimly lit. You want to be able to see your client and any related paperwork. At the other extreme, the strobe lights would distract!

CHOOSE A BAR THAT BECOMES BUSINESS MEETINGS. There are many bars that specifically cater for business meetings during the day. By choosing a bar like this you will automatically avoid karaoke night, biker gangs, disco balls and other unpleasant interruptions and distractions.

MEASURE OUR RHYTHM. Be careful not to drink quickly, especially if the customer is late or nervous. It is best to drink at the same pace as your client unless he is drinking himself. If you are drinking too fast, be sure to take time away from the business quickly, while he can still pay attention and make decisions correctly.

ENJOY. A bar is a place to have fun, and the idea of having a business meeting in a bar is that you can enjoy the experience better. Surely it’s better than sitting in an old and poorly ventilated meeting room. So enjoy.