Paul was excited. After weeks of chasing a big client, Mr. Dube, he finally managed to convince him to meet for lunch. This was the golden chance to close that long-awaited deal.
But Paul made a few rookie mistakes…
He showed up late, rushing in with sweat on his forehead while Mr. Dube was already seated. Instead of keeping it simple, Paul ordered a mountain of food sadza, fish, soup, salad, even chips. By the time his food arrived, he was too busy fighting with fish bones and wiping soup off his shirt. Meanwhile, Mr. Dube was scrolling through his phone, half-listening.
The deal? Gone before dessert.
The Mistakes Paul Made
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Arriving Late In sales, perception is everything. When the client arrives first, you’ve already lost points. It shows disrespect for their time.
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Ordering Too Much Food Lunch with a client is not a buffet. You’re there to talk business, not to prove you can eat for the whole village. Complicated meals = distractions.
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Letting the Client Face Distractions Paul sat facing the busy restaurant side, leaving Mr. Dube facing him and every other distraction, waiters, doors, and curious passersby. No wonder the man kept looking elsewhere.
The Lesson for Salespeople
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Always arrive first. Position yourself facing the distractions so the client gives you full attention.
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Order simple, easy-to-eat meals (even just water or a light plate). The focus is the conversation, not the menu.
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Remember: you’re not there to eat, you’re there to close deals.
Because in Africa, some of the biggest contracts are sealed not in fancy boardrooms, but over a simple plate of sadza. Don’t let bad lunch etiquette cost you millions.
By The Chartered Vendor
#SalesLessons #BusinessLunch #AfricanEntrepreneurship #JerryNyazungu #SadzaMistakes #CloseDealsRight
