Debate: Should you tell a client when you're working from a coffee shop or just fake it?

Last month I took a Zoom call from a Starbucks in Denver because my apartment had no power. The client asked if my background was a frosted window and I lied, said it was a new co-working space. But now I'm wondering if that was dumb. On one hand, being honest about your setup might make you seem less professional. On the other hand, maybe clients don't care as long as the work gets done. Has anyone else dealt with this - do you disclose your actual location or just let them assume?

2 comments

2 Comments

margaretc428h ago

Figured my cat walking across the keyboard during a client call would be a dead giveaway, but a Starbucks background is somehow worse... Guess I'll just tell them I'm in my "mobile office" next time. Honestly, if the power's out and the internet works, they probably don't care as long as you're not ordering a Frappuccino on mute.

dakota_miller936h agoMost Upvoted

Nah, @margaretc42 you’re right. I had a client call where the fire alarm went off. Told them I was testing a new safety feature. They bought it. Starbucks background is genius.