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Im not sure how I should have handled this situation.At the invitation of a client, I went to her house for a business meeting. The meeting concerned certain aspects of her house, so it is necessary for us to meet there to review items she wants. I have been to her home a number of times in the past and have met her husband twice. I arrived on time. When I arrived she was not there.Her husband let me in.We chatted for a moment and I thought he seemed a little confused, but he assured me that his wife would be home shortly.He then went into his study to take a telephone call that lasted 10 minutes.
When he returned he was clearly inebriated.He began to cry.He told me that he is experiencing a lot of stress. He told me he makes a lot of money.He got close enough to me that I smelled alcohol on him very strongly.I got up to leave but he again asked me to stay as his wife was only minutes away.I figured that I would just have to come back if I left, so I stayed.
His wife arrived about 2 minutes later.All together I was at their house a total of 15 minutes waiting for her.She was clearly embarrassed when she saw the condition of her husband.Having had an A husband also, I could read her body language that this was not an uncommon event.The husband then began to interview me and hinted that I was there to snoop though his things or steal from him.His wife smoothly changed the subject and walked me to the front door. We never did have our meeting.
Im fairly certain that she is very embarrassed by this turn of events and that I have lost a client because of it.
If this ever happen again in the future, what is the best way to tactfully handle it?
eww tricky situation , if it were me I would leave the home and sit in the car if necessary til she returned , or insist that u meet outside of her home , local restaurant for lunch etc . If this gentleman get visibly inebreated in 10 min he is no stranger to alcohol ,why put yourself at risk ? Always take care of you. stay safe . Louise
I am not advising you, ditto. But I would drop this client like the proverbial hot potato. Any further contact can only lead to unpleasantness. Anyone who accuses me of "snooping" and/or "stealing" has seen the last of me.
Happy holidays,
Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Aloha Ditto...Been there but didn't do that because when I found myself in that situation I was in program so it became an opportunity to do some attraction rather than promotion of the recovery I have been graced and grateful with. When I have found myself in that situation lately I ask my HP, "Is there anything here that you see I might be useful for? Is there anything you need me to do?" If I get a yes I do one thing...If I get a no I excuse myself and leave the door open for later.
