Ask HN: When to say NO to introductory meeting? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: When to say NO to introductory meeting?

3 pointsalvil5 comments

From time to time I have a new client which wants to meet with me personally and what is significant he/she refuses tell me what will be exact topic of the meeting. It cost me my time and transport expenses. I think they just want to bounce ideas around or pick my brain or whatever for stealing my time.

Do you think it is toxic client and it is OK to say NO?

What would you write/tell such client?

Do you know some interesting online strategy materials on this topic?

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You don't say what sort of business you're in, or what sort of clients you have, so it's impossible to say. However, if someone insists on a meeting and doesn't tell you what it's about, I think it's reasonable to discuss some sort of payment for your time and input.

You can make it clear that if the meeting turns into something that is of mutual benefit then it will refunded, rescinded, or otherwise paid back. But equally, make it clear that your time is of value to you.

You can also make them visit you. That makes the visit cheaper for you (no travel expenses, no time list traveling) and (assuming they have a real business, which may be stretching it) more expensive for them and thus should filter out some of these meetings.

For now I filter them all. I just want to know if I am doing wrong or what are experiences of other HN readers.

Hello Caroline, I am software developer, creating very specific software utilities, my experience is that if client has real/acute problem, he is able to describe it in email message or in phone call.

I would try not to shut them down, but to make it clear that a meeting has a cost. If they are willing to meet that cost then fine, meet them. If you gain benefit from the meeting then, as I say, you can refund the fee.

Be honest with them - meeting with them costs you money, and if the meeting is of value to them, they should be prepared to pay for it.

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