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Bet that got some attention!

Anyway I recently had a situation that I could use some advice from active rainers. (Is that a word?) I had a mortgage officer want to meet for lunch. I told him where we could meet and we would just find somewhere in the area to get a bite to eat. "MY Treat" Well this is a big time client. He sends 6 to 8 people to me a month and 90% of these clients actually sign up. We meet and he knows this great place just up the road. Perfect! He gets in my truck (Yes I live in Texas so I drive a Truck) and we head up the road to.......... The Mens Club. From the name you can guess what type of bar this is. Very nice, high class, and great ....... *view*........  but was this very professional? I mean I like looking as much as the next guy but I actually had business to discuss. This cost me about $150 for lunch which I dont mind because he brings me a ton of business. How would you handle this?

Would you leave it alone and make sure the rest of your meetings were not where you would get distracted?

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Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Darrell...

I will be 55 years old next month, and have never been in a strip club or a casino. I don't have any objection to them per se, nor do I judge anyone who takes advantage of these services, but it's not my cup of tea.

I would have told the client that I would prefer lunch in a place more conducive to business.

May 01, 2008 07:56 AM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

Come on, Darrell.  Like I'm going to believe that you didn't whip out your gold membership card for the frequent visitor's 10% discount on prime rib and lap dances.  So my advice for next time?  Call ahead to see if Tonya is working.

May 02, 2008 04:53 PM
Robert Machado
HomePointe Property Management, CRMC - Sacramento, CA
CPM MPM - Property Manager and Property Management

Sounds like it was a "professional" lunch.  I would pick the lunch location next time.  I think he is looking for a buddy to go with. 

May 02, 2008 06:40 PM
Frank Schulte-Ladbeck
Frank Schulte-Ladbeck Professional Real Estate Inspections - Houston, TX
I would have gone Richard's route. I have encountered those who think that such places are appropriate for business lunches, but I use the same objection that I do when a sports bar is suggested, we have some business to discuss, and we will not be able to do it properly in that environment, because of noise levels or other distractions.
May 02, 2008 11:06 PM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best
I am a chick so no one has ever suggested we go to a topless bar to discuss business.  However, we have been to sports bars and had a few drinks.  I do not see what the big deal is.
May 03, 2008 04:56 AM
Frank Schulte-Ladbeck
Frank Schulte-Ladbeck Professional Real Estate Inspections - Houston, TX
Melody, it is not the drinks, but many sports bars here in Houston have a lot of noise that you have to talk over. It is no fun shouting for a professional meeting.
May 03, 2008 02:44 PM
Sharon Hampton
Re/Max Around The Mountains - Blue Ridge, GA
Darrell- I would suggest doing the business part first then off to the Mens Club afterwards. That way you wouldn't have to say a word just enjoy!!!!
May 03, 2008 04:55 PM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best
Sharon is funny! 
May 03, 2008 11:09 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
Darrell - I am going to come across as the wet blanket here, but I haven't set foot in a place like that since I got married, and that was over 15 years ago.  If it were me, I wouldn't have gone, but I am not like everybody else more than likely.  I understand it is an important client, but I would just say, "Could we go somewhere where it will be easier to talk?"
May 04, 2008 09:25 AM
Sam Sams
Richardson, TX

Mel: A sports bar would have even been o.k. I never said I didn't enjoy the view but its difficult to discuss a client when a beautful woman is standing in front of you half naked.

Paul: Paul, I lost my card. (Just go with it man.)

Sharon: My kind of woman. Enough Said! :)

Jason: Normally I would have but this guy was like a kid in a candy store!

May 05, 2008 01:16 AM
Gynell Stalford - Texas Cert. Appraiser *****FHA & FLAGSTAR APPROVED*****
Metroplex Appraisal Services - The FHA Appraisal Shop - Frisco, TX

I doubt that would happen to me being a girl. But I'd chalk it up to another lesson in life. From now on, always suggest a place, even if they dont agree, atleast your setting a standard.

May 05, 2008 09:13 AM