Freelancing entrepreneurs like myself often meet clients on the go, at local coffeeshops and eateries with free wireless. These places are great for their (usually) quaint atmosphere and decent food.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with a new client. After a few reschedules, we finally decided to meet at the local Culver’s restaurant. While I usually pick somewhere like the Bread Company, this particular suggestion was mine for a few reasons:

• Client had kids in tow. Easy enough to stick them in an adjoining booth with relatively no maintenance or interruption
• Client was on their way to a movie.
  The movie theater was across the street, so convenience was a factor
• Free wireless
  I’ve got to have wireless Internet so I can dazzle them with pretty graphs and charts, right?

It seemed like a great idea, but it wasn’t.

The kids were great. Never bothered us once.  But there was a problem – no outlets for the laptop.

It just so happens that my laptop decided to stop charging my batteries a few months back.  It’s usually no problem – I just plug in and go.  But with no outlets, I’m screwed.  Totally.  So I had to do the entire presentation with no laptop – not an easy task.

I shouldn’t say there were no outlets because there actually were several.  The problem, though, is that they were on the roof ten feet up.  I couldn’t see myself standing on the table so that I could dangle my power supply.  Plus, the weight of the converter probably would have pulled the plug right out of the ceiling.

Culver’s, why are you offering free wifi?  I’m assuming it’s to cater to that 17-39 crowd.  But if they can’t plug in their laptops, you’ve lost them.

I won’t be back for any future business meetings at Culver’s unless the outlet situation is fixed.