Women in Business: Five Places for Meetings with Colleagues & Potential Clients

Last week, three women colleagues came into town for a meeting with the vice president of my company and me. They arrived on Monday and were to depart on Wednesday, but I was responsible for filling their schedule between airport visits. This was my first meeting with out-of-town associates, and I was extremely nervous - how was I supposed to entertain them? It occurred to me that if I was a man, we would have headed out to the golf course for 18 holes and then talked over whiskey sours in a dimly lit bar.

My experience with Marsha, Colleen and Amanda was the inspiration for this article, as I learned quite a bit about myself and about women in business. I discovered that we don't have to conform to already-placed rules about discussing business and brainstorming ideas. It's possible for women to entertain colleagues in different ways than a man would do it, but with the same effective results.

This isn't about feminism or about insulting men; I have no problem with the way men do business, and I wouldn't want to encroach upon the right to discuss business on the golf course. I also don't have a problem with women who enjoy golf; if it works for you, then by all means, use it. But for the women out there who want alternatives to non-entertaining meetings in stark conference rooms, here are some ideas for women business meetings.

1. The Gym

If you are a health-conscious individual, the gym is a great place to take associates who also enjoy working out. It isn't the golf course, but while you walk away on the treadmill, you can go over spreadsheets and brainstorm ideas. As women in business, we often don't have time in our busy day to hit the gym - or to exercise at all - and if meetings take place at the gym, multi-tasking has its benefits. This is also an amazing stress reliever, and a great place to be when the you-know-what hits the fan. Instead of getting angry or frustrated over business problems, the weight of the world can be lifted through weights and machines.

2. The Mall

We might not like to golf, but most of us love to shop. This worked great with my out-of-town guests because shopping is always different in new cities and towns. We got plenty of exercise (our mall is .5 mi. from one end to the other) and we enjoyed looking at the new spring fashions. While we sifted through racks and joked about some of the juniors' clothes, we talked business and strategy. Over lunch in the food court (fruit bowls and salads), we took notes about the things we'd discussed. This can also work great with in-house colleagues as a weekly out-of-office excursion. Take a break in the middle of the day to shop for clothes, shoes, office supplies or decor. Just don't add the things you buy to your expense report - that would be wrong.

3. Conferences

If you know of a business conference in your city, this is a great place to take business partners. It will help enliven ideas for progressing the business and to educate your partners on various areas of management and sales. There are tons of women-owned business seminars that travel across the country, which can be an empowering tool for motivating women executives. While this is probably not the place to take prospective clients, it works well with colleagues and associates.

4. The Spa

When trying to woo a potential client, the spa is a great place to talk shop and motivate clients about your business. Although this might be an expensive option, it's worth it for clients who might bring large accounts to your company. Set up a full day of massage and relaxation and watch your troubles melt away while you secure a high-profile business deal. Your potential client will be impressed with your resources and grateful for the special treatment.

5. The Coffee Shop

Talking shop over a good cup of joe might be just what you need to get the ideas flowing. A simple, yet elegant retreat, meetings at a coffee shop are acceptable for both colleague and client meetings. Most coffee shops have large tables that can accomodate five or six people, and some even offer Wi-Fi access so you can cruise the net while chatting about work. This is a low-key atmosphere conducive to stimulating conversation.