Is this appropriate and professional?

I have a friend who is in a media sales role. She has been with the company for 4 months and is in her 20's. I overheard a conversation she was having with a "nail salon". She was asking for a reservation for 5 manicures/pedicures. I happen to ask her if she was taking her clients for these services and she said, "yes". I also asked how well she knew these clients and she said some she met once in person and some she NEVER met.....I asked how she was going to give the sales presentation and she brought out an ipad with the presentation. I have conflicting feelings about this. I guess it depends on the age of the clients, what do you think?

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Permalink Reply by Amy Ala Miller on August 23, 2011 at 4:55pm

Well... if she was taking them golfing would it be an issue? I wish someone would take me out for a mani/pedi. That stuff is expensive.

All kidding aside, it is a little unusual, but hopefully she knows her audience and they are receptive to this kind of "meeting". I don't see anything wrong with it. People do business with people they like - could be a great opportunity to bond. In fact, I know a salesperson who once took a client to a psychic. Weird to some (including me), but it worked for that audience and ended up being one of her biggest clients. As far as the presentation - I've never bought anything based on a PowerPoint.

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Permalink Reply by Amber on August 23, 2011 at 5:01pm

I do not like getting pedicures, and for some reason would feel weird doing that with a stranger. Especially if it's supposed to be a "professional" relationship. But Amy might be right that it's the same as golfing, etc., although for an initial meeting I try to do it in an office setting if possible.

Has she tried this already? With success? I would decline the invite if I was one of the potential clients, but again that might be more because the specific activity turns me off.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra McCartt on August 23, 2011 at 5:15pm

I am with Amber on this one. I can't think of anything more uncomfortable than sitting in the spa with five people i don't know getting a mani/pedi while somebody is trying to sell me something. Arrrgggh.

Now if she sent me a gift certificate for the same deal that i could do by myself then invited me to lunch after my trip to the spa i would probably be on the bandwagon.