Ask HN: What's in your bag when meeting clients? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What's in your bag when meeting clients?

8 pointsnvr2199 comments

I travel a lot for work meeting clients out of the office. I put together a list of things I should always keep in my bag but I feel like I'm overlooking things. So I ask: what's in your bag?

Here is my list:

   * Laptop
   * Charger
   * USB to MicroUSB
   * USB to iPhone
   * Wall to USB charger
   * Flashlight
   * Multihead screwdriver
   * Collar stays
   * Lint roller
   * Tide pen
   * Tylenol
   * Airborne
   * Several USB thumb drives
   * Mouthwash or chewing gum
   * Instant sanitizer
   * Pens

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When I was doing pre-sales work, I also brought the following:

* Marketing collaterals - books, whitepapers

* Portable handphone battery/charger

* Extra laptop battery

* Ethernet cable

* CDRs

* Markers

* Adapter for laptop-projector

* Remote control for presentation

You forgot a pre-filled contracts. The time spent filling out contracts can make people uneasy. Pre-fill them with your data and just have them sign it.

In most instances this is probably true, but I've read of a sales tactic before where you make the customer fill out the order form. I'm guessing it would work better for physical widgets instead of services.

Good point. But these are not order forms. They are contracts. People hate contracts. Having them filled out makes the whole process go smoother. If people have to fill it out themselves, then the transaction time increases (not good for closing), they lose their patience, might change their minds, or just downright decide against hiring you (because of your hair/teeth/something you said). A pre-filled contract saves you a lot of time and makes you money. It works for products and services. Both digital and analog.

Lots of pens, but no paper?

I bring a laptop, charger and something to take notes on. If it's a trip where I need to spend the night at a hotel, I bring a couple of more things like: Laptop, Surface, 2 phones, 2 phone chargers, 1 laptop charger, 1 Surface charger

I'd add network cable to your list, I now always carry a 10m one as you can guarantee if you do need to plug in, often the switch / hub is not nearby

Adding network cable... But I think 10m (30') is going to be too bulky for my bag.

No paper?

You know it's funny... That seems like such an obvious thing but it didn't even occur to me. Looking back I always seem to scribble my notes on the back of whatever report I inevitably have printed out with me, but that's sloppy. Adding "notebook" to my list!!

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