Booth vs. Bar

by Dale Davidson

I met with another government contracting business owner yesterday for the first time.

We met a restaurant near his home and I got there first.

I had two options:

  • The comfortable booth in the almost empty, quiet, restaurant side
  • A high-top table or bar seating on the more lively bar side of the restaurant

I chose the former and made a mistake.

It was too quiet! Almost intimate and a little eerie. It would be perfect if I were in the mafia planning a hit or something.

The person I was meeting with suggested we sit at the bar.

It was a good call.

  • The background noise was at a good level where we could still talk but also added some energy to the place (good vibes)
  • We didn't have to wait for a server if we needed something. We could just ask the bartender
  • Bar seating is never super comfortable, so it caps the time to maybe 1.5 hours max before your butt starts getting sore
  • Food is optional at the bar so neither party feels committed to ordering anything and staying longer than they want

It's a small thing, but finding good, reliable spots with appropriate vibes for networking meetings takes a little research, and judgement.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.

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