OK, so this may seem like an odd topic for a business tips blog, however this is something I’ve found very helpful – find a favourite cafe (or two).
Why? you ask, well the answer is simple. A cafe is a great place to meet if you are meeting with a client, supplier or other business contact and you don’t want them to come to your home or hire a meeting room somewhere. It is also a great place to get some time out from the computer and day to day running of business and the household to do some thinking and brainstorming or even just for some time out to read the paper or a trashy magazine.
If you don’t already have a favourite cafe, here are five things to look for when you’re choosing one:
- Location - you don’t want the cafe to be too far from home. Depending on where you live, you may choose a couple of different cafe’s to put on your favourites list.
- Food & Coffee - make sure the quality of food and coffee is up to your standards. Different people look for different things in taste, time to prepare, variety and so on, so I won’t tell you what to look for. Set your own criteria and make sure your favourite cafe is up to standard.
- Atmosphere & noise level – what is the atmosphere like? Is it warm and friendly, casual, formal? The most important point is – do you feel comfortable there? Are you able to hear yourself talking with the person next to you? If you fell comfortable in the cafe and the noise level is good, then you’ll want to go back there.
- Staff - what are the staff like? Are they well presented and friendly? Do they recognise their regulars? Do they clear tables in good time? Are they pushy? Again, different people have different expectations here. One common thing I’ve heard when talking with friends about cafe’s is they like staff who are friendly but not pushy. Again, make sure you feel comfortable around them.
- Bookings & crowds - how busy is your favourite cafe? This may not be an issue if you can always walk in and find a table, however it is worth checking if you can book. There are some cafe’s that don’t take bookings. If you have an important meeting and you can’t get a table, this could be an issue.
If you are meeting clients at a cafe, you will want the cafe to give your business a good impression, so it is worth doing your research.
In case you’re interested, one of my favourite cafe’s is the Station Street Cafe & Wine Bar in Nunawading.
What is your favourite cafe for meetings? Please give them a plug by adding a comment, also let us know why you like them so much.
