lunch

A.Even if it’s not your preference, it’s difficult not to include someone at their request. If you were hoping to make a sale at a first meeting, I can see why you might want to meet alone. But a first meeting is generally just an introduction, allowing you to get to know each other a little better, so it shouldn’t matter. Why rock the boat before you can even get together?
Etiquette consultant Chris Bryant agrees – sort of. He believes the situation could be handled in two different ways, depending on the nature of the meeting.
“If the meeting purpose is of a personal or sensitive nature, it would be totally appropriate to express that although you look forward to meeting the other associate; if it’s all the same, you would prefer a more private meeting- at least initially? This would also be a good time to give further insight into what you would like to discuss and accomplish. That should definitely help your associate fully understand the basis for your request.”
After that, Chris said he would have made it clear, that after the initial meeting, he would look forward to meeting the other associate.
However, If it’s just an initial “getting to know you” type meeting, I would welcome the other associate to attend and just let it flow, said the founder of Rapport Strategies, in Beverly Hills, Ca. “You never know what value or perspective the other person would bring to the table and you can always follow-up with a more private meeting later,” he said.
Check out Chris at www.MrChrisBryant.com .