Where to Go in the Bay Area to Impress Your Clients

When you have to entertain clients, a good meeting site is a must. If you’re fortunate enough to live in the Bay Area, there are plenty of fantastic places to choose from. But to help give you some quick ideas on the finest spots in San Francisco to entertain your clients, we’ve compiled a list of possibilities.

The first step to an impressive meeting lies in your chauffeured transportation. The vehicle you choose is the first thing your client sees at the start of the business meeting. It’s also where the first moments of conversation or negotiation begin. So having the right kind of vehicle is key, because it sets the stage for the rest of the meeting. Having a punctual and professional Chauffeur who is knowledgeable, personal, and friendly is an important bonus.

Restaurants

The restaurant that you choose will be where most of your conversations take place, so choosing the right one is key. Which one is the right one? That depends on your client. It can be difficult to learn what they like without seeming over-imposing, but there are ways to get a few pieces of token information just through casual conversation. Use your deductive reasoning if you don’t get any direct answers; if your client seems like a generally adventurous person, it might be perfectly fine to take them to a new-wave Thai restaurant. If you know they’re vegetarian or gluten-free, search for restaurants that offer those kinds of items.

Don’t forget that your client will value the ability to have a conversation in the restaurant you choose; going to an extremely crowded or poorly serviced restaurant will have a negative impact on your exchange. If you’re unsure about the restaurant’s ability to seat you instantly, make reservations. More than likely, your client will be following a strict schedule that doesn’t include sitting on a bench in the restaurant’s lobby for half an hour.

Activities

San Francisco is a gold mine when it comes to interesting activities for client meetings. Yet again, the key to choosing the right activity is to know a little about your client. A serious, all-business client will probably not be interested in going to play golf or see a live show at the theatre. Consider booking seats at a local seminar on management or teamwork building for executives.

If your client appreciates fine art, you could arrange a tour of the Bay City’s art museums. Art museums provide plenty of space and solitude for getting to know your client. They also offer both of you the chance to experience some of San Francisco’s local flavor.

Golf outings are usually another safe bet for client interactions, unless you’ve received prior information about a client’s hatred of golf. A round of golf or two can be a great stress reliever. And you can enjoy the outdoors while connecting with your client in a laid-back atmosphere.

However you choose to entertain your client in San Francisco, remember to consider your professional image in your plans. From your chauffeured car service to the restaurant you choose, your agenda for a client meeting should reflect your personality in a complimentary manner. 

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