The art of persuading another human being to buy your product or service is nuanced and sophisticated.

Theoretically, you only need the power of your imagination and preparation to manage prospect perceptions and buying inclinations.

You don’t need a laptop.

You don’t need a conference room. (Nor any formal workplace.)

And certainly, you don’t need your manager by your side.

You merely need an engaged and willing audience to listen to your ideas.

Extra mental prep should go into social selling so you can manage the numerous variables you can’t predict. What if the client shows up late to the game and pre-game chat time has been lost? What if the client spends the first part of the lunch telling tales of boyfriends and dating?

While you may think it’s good to listen to your customer complain about her boyfriend, in the back of your head, you should be worried that your competitor just had a meeting with your customer …in the office.