Best Locations for Home-Based Business Client Meetings

Thanks to the internet, it’s become increasingly common for an entrepreneur to run their business out of their home. In fact, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 52% of today’s businesses are actually home-based.

And it’s not surprising; for many business owners, working at home offers a number of benefits, such as no commute time, a low-stress environment, and lower overhead costs. But running a business from home (without a traditional business address) makes it tricky when the time comes to meet with a client in person. Sometimes, it’s awkward for a business owner to have a client come to their house for a meeting. It might not even be the safest practice for most people. If nothing else, it doesn’t send the most professional image; it’s possible that family members could unintentionally interrupt. And it isn’t always possible to have a virtual meeting instead.

Thankfully, business owners who work from home have options for hosting successful client meetings. This guide walks through some creative ideas for meeting clients even when working from home.

Coffee Shop or Restaurant

Why not invite the client to meet over coffee? Lunch? While it might not seem like the most professional atmosphere, meeting clients at a local coffee shop or restaurant can be a great option. A public place can feel a lot safer for the client than a home office, and being surrounded by other people can help make the situation feel a little less intimate. That might facilitate conversation. And who knows? Some clients might be more open to a sales pitch after they’ve enjoyed a good meal or their favorite specialty drink.

A word of advice, though: many business owners find it wise to avoid hosting a lunch meeting with a client they’ve not met before. Some people feel uncomfortable eating a meal with a total stranger. But if there’s already an existing relationship, then a meal might be a great way to build trust.

Hotel

When people hear the phrase “professional space for meeting clients,” hotels probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But in reality, hotels can be great options with a few ideal locations to sit down with a customer. For starters, a bar or lounge can be a decent spot to meet a client. Some hotels even offer conference rooms or meeting spaces for rent. The fees vary depending on the space rented. Some hotels even offer specialized pricing plans for “pop-up offices” in their building. Often, these spaces are well-maintained and well-equipped, which can help a business make a strong impression even without traditional office space.

Rented Meeting Rooms or Spaces

As remote work has become more and more commonplace (largely thanks to workforce shifts during the pandemic), many cities and towns have added coworking spaces or virtual offices. These organizations often have different options for freelancers and business owners to rent a desk, office space, or meeting room inside a building with a regular business address. Some of these businesses offer as-needed rentals by the day, half-day, or even by the hour. Some also have monthly memberships where subscribers can take advantage of a variety of office amenities like Wi Fi and office supplies, collaboration spaces, and other resources. Granted, there are expenses involved, but these fees tend to be much easier on the budget than renting a full office.

Sometimes, business owners find that these spaces send such a professional image that they believe the business operates from that location, not out of the house. That can be a big image boost.

Friend’s Office

Not all small business owners have enough money in the budget to rent office space, especially if they’re just starting out. Sometimes, a business owner might be able to ask a friend to borrow their office space.

For example, suppose a business owner has a friend who’s a real estate agent, and they’ve been friends for a long time. The agent might be willing to let the new business owner use their space for free as long as it’s scheduled for a day when they aren’t navigating any closings or while they’re out showing houses.

Even if the business owner doesn’t have a long, storied relationship with another business owner, they still might be able to get permission to use their space in exchange for something. Maybe it would be a small fee, or the two business owners could barter services in exchange for use of the space. Often, this can lead to a mutually beneficial arrangement that doesn’t require money to change hands.

Members’ Club

For home-based businesses that have a lot of meetings, a members’ club might be the best solution. As with restaurants and coffee shops, members’ clubs typically offer an inviting atmosphere that can be welcoming to clients.

But unlike restaurants and coffee shops, members’ clubs tend to be upscale, and they can create a very prestigious impression for the business. The catch? These clubs often come with a hefty price tag. The prudent business owner will take time to ensure that they host enough meetings (and have enough clients) to justify that high expense.

The Great Outdoors

A few business owners might actually be able to meet outside, such as in a city park. Some of the more daring business owners might even invite a client to join them on a hike or similar activity while they talk shop.

Obviously, this won’t work for every business. Some clients won’t be comfortable with it. Plus, if the presentation calls for a lot of visual aids or other materials, then an outdoor meeting is a no-go. But sometimes, a business owner might have a really comfortable relationship with that client already. Maybe they know that the client is really relaxed, or maybe they’re an adventurer. In that case, they might enjoy taking the meeting outside.

As an added plus, meeting outside is usually cheap (if not free). And for many people, it’s a nice change of pace. Who doesn’t want a little sunshine and vitamin D during the workday?

Conclusion

For the business owner who works out of their house, it can sometimes be tricky to find a good space for meeting clients. But thanks to the rise of home-based businesses and remote work, many clients and vendors are accustomed to less-traditional settings. Many people are willing to be flexible as long as the business owner maintains professionalism. As long as a business owner takes the time to get to know their clients and their tastes, they can find the right place to hold future business meetings.