reason for a courtesy visit

AI, Your Side Hustle Hero to Make Money from Home

Think AI is just for super-smart scientists? Nope! There are tons of ways you can use AI to make some serious cash from home.

Ready to turn your tech-love into a side hustle? Here are some amazing ideas:

1. The Content Creation Powerhouse

Ai, your writing buddy.

Imagine having a writing assistant that never gets tired, bored, or has writer’s block! AI tools like Jasper and Rytr help you crank out blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, and even creative stuff like poems or short stories.

You can write paid articles for websites or companies, or use AI to make your own online business shine with tons of fresh content. AI can even help you find ideas and make sure your writing is on point!

Pics in a Flash

Ever wish you could draw anything you imagine? AI image generators like DALL-E and Midjourney let you do just that!

Just type in what you want to see – like “a cat flying a spaceship” or “a watercolor landscape of a hidden waterfall” – and the AI will create it.

You can sell your images on stock photo sites, use them to make your blog posts stand out, or turn them into cool digital art pieces you can sell online.

Movie Magician

AI can help you become the next editing superstar! Services can cut and paste video clips, add background music, and even turn your dialogue into subtitles for different languages.

Imagine helping YouTubers make their videos snappier, or editing short videos for businesses– it’s a skill you could even be paid for!

2. AI Expert Services

The global chat champ.

If you know another language (or more!), AI translation tools become your BFFs. Instead of taking forever on translations, AI does the basic work, and you fine-tune it for accuracy and style.

Get gigs translating websites so they reach worldwide markets, translating important documents, or even adding subtitles so movies and videos can be enjoyed by everyone!

Meet Your Robot Assistant

Businesses want to offer help 24/7, but that’s impossible for humans! That’s where chatbots come in.

Platforms like Dialogflow let you “train” little AI assistants to answer common questions, take orders, or gather information from potential customers even when everyone’s asleep.

It’s like coding and customer service rolled into one cool job.

Data Detective

AI is amazing at spotting patterns way too huge for humans to see alone. You can offer services by using AI to analyze mountains of social media chatter to see what people really think about products or brands.

Investors might pay you to use AI to spot stock market trends. Businesses might want you to use AI to track their rivals and see what sneaky plans they might be hatching!

3. Affiliate Marketing with a Techy Twist

Ai reviewer: the ultimate comparison tool.

Imagine being able to gather tons of information on different products in a flash! That’s what AI lets you do. Let’s say you want to review the best robot vacuums.

AI tools can help you scrape customer reviews, compare features across different brands, and even summarize the pros and cons. You write awesome reviews, include your special affiliate links, and whenever someone clicks your link and buys, you earn cash.

It’s like being a super-helpful shopping guide and getting paid for it!

Super-Niche Websites: Your Secret Weapon

Sometimes the biggest money isn’t in the broadest topics, but the super-focused ones. Imagine a website not about pets, but all about the cutest outfits for teacup poodles! AI tools help you find these “micro-niches” – topics huge groups of people are obsessed with but might have fewer websites dedicated to them.

Once you’ve picked your niche, AI can help with everything else. It can find keywords that help people find your site, suggest tons of article ideas, and even help you write some of the content.

AI can also help you find products related to your niche to promote with affiliate links, making your awesome website into a money-making machine.

4. Build Your AI Empire

Tool time: coding for cash.

If you have some coding skills, you can build super-useful, bite-sized AI tools that people will happily pay for. Think of common problems people have: resizing a ton of images is a pain, long articles can be a drag to read, and catching every single grammar error is tough.

You could build simple tools that offer AI-powered solutions – a quick image resizer, an article summarizer, or an extra-smart grammar checker. Sell these tools on online marketplaces, and suddenly you’re not just using AI, you’re selling it!

Plugin Power: Supercharge Popular Programs

Do you know your way around popular software like Photoshop, Excel, or even game design programs? You can become a plugin superstar! Create little add-ons that use AI to do cool new things.

Maybe your plugin adds AI filters to Photoshop, or teaches Excel to predict future patterns based on the data. Find platforms that allow developers to sell plugins for their software, and your creations could make you money while helping others work smarter.

AI Business Sensei: The Ultimate Consultant

If you get really good with AI, and understand how businesses work, you could make serious money as a consultant. Companies often have no idea how to start using AI to their advantage.

You could be the expert that helps them! Teach them how AI can find them new customers, help them analyze huge amounts of data to make better decisions, or even automate some parts of their business to save them time and money.

As AI gets more important, companies will be desperate for consultants like you!

Things to Remember:

Humans still needed: the ai hype is real, but….

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s still just that – a tool. It can mess up, make stuff that’s just plain weird, or even be used for harmful things if we’re not careful. That’s where you come in!

Your job is to double-check AI’s work, make sure it sounds natural and makes sense, add your own creative spark, and be the one to make sure the AI is doing good, not harm.

Find Your Thing: Be the Specialist

Trying to be an expert in everything AI-related is a recipe for a headache. Instead, become known as THE person for something specific.

Are you the best AI product reviewer for tech gadgets? The go-to person for building customer service chatbots? The genius who finds hidden stock market patterns using AI?

Specializing makes it easier for clients to find you and know exactly what you can do for them.

Never Stop Learning: The AI Train Keeps Rolling

AI technology changes at lightning speed! New tools, techniques, and updates are happening all the time. To stay ahead of the game, you’ve got to be curious and willing to learn.

Subscribe to tech newsletters, mess around with new AI programs as they come out, and take online courses. The more you know about cutting-edge AI, the more valuable your skills become!

How to Ask Someone in English If You Can Visit Their Office

In today’s world, being able to express yourself confidently and accurately in English is crucial. Whether you’re arranging a formal meeting or an informal visit, knowing how to ask someone if you can visit their office can be incredibly useful. I’ll guide you through the process in this article clearly and straightforwardly.

To ask someone if you can visit their office, be polite, clear, and considerate of their time. In formal settings, use phrases like “Would it be possible…” or “May I request…” followed by the purpose of your visit. To ask informally, use phrases like “Can I stop by…” or “Could I pop into…?”

Are you looking for a book or a guide to help you learn and improve your English? You may try English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Amazon Link) . This book creatively uses pictures and text in tandem to revolutionize English language learning, making it easier to understand and more effective overall.

To dive deeper into how to make such requests and responses effectively, we urge you to keep reading. This comprehensive guide includes various formal and informal expressions you can use and tips on how to handle various responses.

Table of Contents

#1 cultivate a respectful tone, #2 use courteous language, #3 offer specific details, #4 be flexible with timing, #5 respond appropriately, formal requests, informal requests, if they say yes, if they say no, sample conversation: asking someone in english if you can visit their office, in conclusion, 10 frequently asked questions related to asking someone in english if you can visit their office, 5 tips to ask someone if you can visit their office.

When you ask to visit someone’s office, you request access to their professional space and time. Hence, it’s important to approach this situation with care. Here are five detailed tips to guide you through this process, whether you’re interacting with a colleague, a superior, or a potential client.

Your tone conveys much about your intentions and respect for the person you’re communicating with. A respectful tone underpins the essence of your request, promoting open and productive communication.

The way you frame your question can convey respect and understanding. Instead of saying, “I need to come to your office,” try phrasing your request as a question, “May I come to your office?” This makes it clear you’re asking for their permission and not making a demand, which could be seen as overbearing or impolite.

Politeness goes a long way in professional interactions. Using courteous language makes your request more approachable and increases the likelihood of a positive response.

Phrases like ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ ‘may I,’ and ‘would it be possible’ contribute to a respectful and polite request. Such language indicates that you understand and value your asking for their time and space.

When making your request, it’s beneficial to provide specific details. Mention the reason for your visit and the estimated duration to make your request more transparent and considerate.

Providing details reduces ambiguity and shows that you value their time. Instead of saying, “Can I visit your office to talk?” you could say, “Could I come by your office tomorrow at 3 PM to discuss the project updates? It should take around 30 minutes.”

When suggesting a time for your visit, make sure to take the other person’s schedule into account. It’s respectful to show flexibility and offer options that work for you.

Showing flexibility in timing demonstrates understanding and respect for the other person’s commitments. Instead of saying, “Can I come by at 10 AM?” you could ask, “Would it be convenient for you if I came by between 10 AM and 12 PM, or would the afternoon be better?”

Whether the response to your request is positive or negative, it’s important to reply respectfully and appreciatively.

If they accept your request , express gratitude and confirm the details: “Thank you for accommodating my request. I’ll see you on Monday at 3 PM.” If they decline or suggest a different time, show understanding: “I understand that time doesn’t work for you. Let me know when you’d be available to meet.”

By applying these tips, you’ll be able to ask someone in English if you can visit their office respectfully, clearly, and professionally. The key lies in understanding and valuing the other person’s time and space.

English Expressions to Ask Someone If You Can Visit Their Office

Now, we’ll explore a range of expressions you can use when asking to visit someone’s office. These are classified into two categories: formal requests and informal requests. This will help you choose the right tone and words based on your relationship with the other person and the context of the request.

In a professional setting, particularly when communicating with superiors, clients, or individuals you share a formal relationship with, it’s important to use a more formal tone. These expressions help convey respect and professionalism while effectively communicating your request.

Here are 15 phrases you can use or adapt when making a formal request to visit someone’s office:

• May I request a brief meeting at your office to discuss…?
• Would it be possible for me to visit your office for a discussion on…?
• Could I schedule a time to visit your office regarding…?
• I was wondering if we could meet in your office to review…?
• Could we arrange a time for me to visit your office to go over…?
• Would it be suitable for me to come to your office to talk about…?
• Might I visit your office to share some ideas on…?
• I was hoping to stop by your office for a brief discussion about…?
• Is there a convenient time for me to visit your office to discuss…?
• Could we schedule a time for me to visit your office and talk about…?
• I would appreciate the opportunity to visit your office to discuss…
• Could we schedule an in-office meeting to go over…?
• May I come to your office to speak with you about…?
• Could I arrange a visit to your office to discuss our next steps for…?
• I was hoping to arrange a time to visit your office to review our plans for…

When communicating with colleagues or people with whom you have a less formal relationship, it’s appropriate to use more relaxed language. However, it’s essential to remain polite and considerate even when making informal requests.

Below are 15 examples of expressions you could use when making an informal request to visit someone’s office:

• Hey, can I stop by your office to chat about…?
• Could I pop into your office later to discuss…?
• Mind if I swing by your office to go over…?
• Can we meet in your office to talk about…?
• Is it okay if I come by your office to check in on…?
• Do you have time for me to stop by your office and discuss…?
• Can I drop in your office to catch up on…?
• How about I swing by your office to review…?
• Can I stop by your office to touch base on…?
• Could I come by your office to brainstorm ideas on…?
• What do you think about me dropping by your office to discuss…?
• Is it alright if I pop in your office to catch up about…?
• Can we have a quick chat in your office about…?
• How about a quick meeting in your office to discuss…?
• Can we have a face-to-face in your office to go over…?

By adopting these phrases, you’ll be able to phrase your requests to visit someone’s office more professionally, respectfully, and effectively, regardless of the level of formality required in the situation.

Responding to Their Answer

After making your request to visit someone’s office, it’s crucial to respond appropriately to their answer. Your response should reflect professionalism and respect whether they accept or decline your request.

Understanding how to respond to their answer is just as important as making the request itself. Doing so in a considerate manner can reinforce your professionalism and further establish your relationship. Here are some suggestions for reacting to both positive and negative responses.

When your request to visit their office is accepted, it’s important to show appreciation. This cements your professional etiquette and acknowledges their effort in accommodating you.

The following 15 expressions can help you respond when your request is accepted:

• Thank you for accommodating me. I’ll see you at the arranged time.
• Great, I appreciate your time. I’ll be there as scheduled.
• Perfect, thank you for making room in your schedule. I’ll see you then.
• Thank you for your availability. I look forward to our meeting.
• I appreciate your flexibility. I’ll be there as planned.
• Excellent. I value the opportunity to discuss this with you. See you then.
• Thank you. I’ll ensure our discussion is productive and to the point.
• That’s wonderful. Thank you for your time. I’ll be there as agreed.
• I’m glad we could arrange this. Thank you. See you then.
• I appreciate this. Looking forward to our discussion.
• Perfect. Your willingness to meet is much appreciated. See you soon.
• That works for me too. Thank you for your time.
• Great, I’ll make sure to arrive promptly for our meeting. Thank you.
• Excellent. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. See you on the decided date.
• I’m grateful for your time. I’ll see you at the scheduled time.

If your request is declined, respond with understanding and offer alternatives. This shows respect for their time and maintains the potential for future collaboration.

Here are 15 phrases you can use when your request is declined:

• I understand your schedule is quite busy. Could we possibly arrange a different time?
• I appreciate your honesty. Would it be possible to discuss this over a call instead?
• No problem, I understand your time is valuable. Could we perhaps find a more convenient time?
• Thank you for letting me know. Could we possibly reschedule or meet virtually?
• I understand. Let me know when a better time for you would be.
• That’s alright. Perhaps we can find another suitable time?
• No worries at all. I understand how busy schedules can get. Maybe a different time or method could work?
• Understood. Could we explore alternative arrangements for our discussion?
• I appreciate your candor. Would it be possible to reschedule for a more convenient time?
• That’s okay, I understand. Can we explore other times that could work for you?
• I completely understand. Could we perhaps arrange a phone call or video call instead?
• I see, that’s alright. Let’s aim for a different time that suits your schedule.
• No problem at all. We could perhaps meet virtually if that works for you.
• I understand your time constraints. Let’s try to find another solution.
• That’s alright. Please let me know when we could arrange this meeting when you have time.

With these expressions, you can ensure that your responses to acceptance or refusal remain respectful, understanding, and professional, thereby maintaining the integrity of your relationships.

Situation: Alex needs to discuss a business proposal with Taylor and believes a face-to-face meeting at Taylor’s office would be beneficial. He decides to call Taylor to arrange a visit.

Alex: Hi Taylor, it’s Alex. How are you doing?

Taylor: Hey Alex, I’m good, thanks. How can I assist you today?

Alex: I was thinking, given our recent discussions about the business proposal, it might be helpful if we could meet in person at your office. Do you think that would be possible?

Taylor: Absolutely, Alex. I think that’s a great idea. When were you thinking?

Alex: Would sometime next week work for you? I’m flexible with my schedule, so just let me know a date and time that suits you.

Taylor: How about next Tuesday at 2 pm?

Alex: That sounds perfect. Is there anything specific I should know before coming over? Any documentation or protocols I need to follow?

Taylor: Just bring the necessary documents related to the proposal. And if you’re unsure about the location or parking, let me know, and I’ll send you the details.

Alex: Thank you, Taylor. I appreciate it. I’ll see you next Tuesday at 2 pm.

Taylor: Looking forward to it, Alex. Have a great day!

Asking someone in English if you can visit their office requires tact and respect for the other person’s time. A well-phrased request, whether formal or informal, coupled with an appropriate response, can go a long way in maintaining good professional relationships.

This guide is valuable, providing a wide range of phrases and responses to help you easily navigate these conversations. Keep practicing these expressions until they become second nature, ensuring your requests are always met with the respect they deserve.

1. How do I politely ask for an office visit via email?

You can start with a greeting, briefly state the purpose, and then ask for a suitable date and time.

2. What if I’m unsure about the office location?

You can ask, “Could you please provide the exact address and any specific directions to your office?”

3. Is it appropriate to ask about parking facilities?

Yes, you can inquire, “Is there parking available at your office, or is there a nearby parking facility you’d recommend?”

4. How can I confirm the duration of the visit?

You can ask, “How much time should I allocate for our meeting?” to get an idea.

5. What if I need to reschedule the office visit?

You can write or call and say, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, I need to reschedule our meeting. Is there another date that works for you?”

6. How do I ask about the office’s COVID-19 protocols or safety measures?

You can inquire, “Are there any specific safety protocols or measures I should be aware of before visiting your office?”

7. Should I ask if I can bring someone along for the meeting?

If you believe it’s necessary, you can ask, “Would it be alright if I bring a colleague along for our discussion?”

8. How do I convey that I’m flexible with the timing?

You can mention, “I understand you have a busy schedule. Please suggest a time that’s convenient for you, and I’ll accommodate.”

9. Is it polite to ask about dress code, especially if the office is more formal?

Yes, you can ask, “Is there a specific dress code I should adhere to when visiting your office?”

10. How do I show appreciation after the visit?

A simple “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me” either in person or in a follow-up email is a kind gesture.

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Niaj A A Khan

Niaj A A Khan is an ESL Instructor with over 8 years of experience in teaching & developing resources at different universities and institutes. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease."

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How to Say “Courtesy Call”: The Ultimate Guide with Tips and Examples

Greetings! Are you wondering how to express the concept of a “courtesy call” in different situations and regions? Whether you’re looking for the formal or informal way to say it, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey a courtesy call, providing tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Courtesy Call”

When it comes to formal situations, it’s essential to use polite and respectful language to convey the idea of a “courtesy call.” Here are some phrases you can use:

1. Making a Courtesy Call – “I would like to make a courtesy call to inquire about…” – “May I request a courtesy call to discuss…” – “I am reaching out for a courtesy call regarding…”

2. Requesting a Courtesy Call – “Would it be possible to arrange a courtesy call with…” – “I’d appreciate a courtesy call to go over…” – “Could we schedule a courtesy call to address…”

3. Initiating a Courtesy Call – “Allow me to initiate a courtesy call to introduce…” – “I would like to extend a courtesy call as an opportunity to…” – “In the spirit of goodwill, I propose a courtesy call to discuss…”

Remember, using formal language when requesting or initiating a courtesy call demonstrates respect and professionalism.

Informal Ways to Say “Courtesy Call”

When it comes to more relaxed or casual situations, you can use less formal expressions. Here are some options:

1. Reaching Out – “I just wanted to reach out and touch base regarding…” – “Hey, I’m getting in touch to follow up on…” – “Thought I’d drop you a line to see if we could catch up on a quick call…”

2. Checking In – “Hey there! Just checking in to see if we can connect soon to discuss…” – “Hi! Wanted to check in and chat about…” – “Just wanted to touch base and see if we could have a quick chat about…”

3. Touching Base – “Hey! Let’s touch base soon about…” – “Hi, I hope you’re doing well! Want to touch base on…” – “Hi there! Let’s get in touch to go over…”

Using these more casual expressions is appropriate when you have a friendly or informal relationship with the recipient of the message.

Tips for Expressing a Courtesy Call

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when conveying a courtesy call:

• Be polite: Regardless of the level of formality, always maintain a polite tone throughout your message.
• Specify the purpose: Clearly state the reason for the courtesy call to ensure the recipient understands its purpose.
• Suggest a timeframe: Propose a suitable timeframe or offer flexibility to accommodate both parties’ schedules.
• Offer alternatives: If the proposed method of communication doesn’t work for the recipient, provide alternative options, such as email or video conferencing.
• Show appreciation: Express gratitude for the recipient’s time and willingness to engage in a courtesy call.

Examples of Courtesy Call Requests

To help illustrate the usage of these phrases, here are some example sentences:

1. Formal Examples: – “I would like to make a courtesy call to inquire about the progress of our collaboration.” – “May I request a courtesy call to discuss the upcoming project deadline?” – “I am reaching out for a courtesy call regarding the implementation of the new policy.”

2. Informal Examples: – “Hey, I’m getting in touch to follow up on our chat about the event arrangements.” – “Hi! Wanted to check in and chat about the latest updates on the marketing campaign.” – “Just wanted to touch base and see if we could have a quick chat about the upcoming team meeting.”

Feel free to adapt these examples to suit your specific context, ensuring that you maintain the appropriate level of formality.

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our ultimate guide on how to say “courtesy call.” Now, armed with a variety of formal and informal expressions, along with helpful tips and examples, you can confidently navigate professional and casual situations, expressing your intention for a courtesy call with finesse. Remember to always adapt your language according to the context and maintain a friendly and warm tone throughout your communication. Happy courtesy calling!

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Sep 21, 2022

Request for meeting email with samples and templates

Manage meeting requests like a pro with our in-depth guide to writing the best meeting request emails.

Lawrie Jones

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Meetings are the social glue that keeps organizations working together. In meetings, we share information, discuss projects and decide the future of our careers and the companies we work for.

But before we have any great meetings, we must send a great meeting request email.

How to request a meeting via email

Don’t believe us? In this article, we’ll break down the steps to write better email meeting requests. We’ll learn from the pros about what to include, unlocking the secrets of successful emails. You’ll never find yourself sitting in an empty room or staring at an empty Teams screen again. 

With some help from Flowrite, everyone will want to attend after they get your email – so you better ensure the meeting is worth it!

Basic rules of meeting request emails

1. invite as few people as possible.

The world is experiencing meeting madness,’ says the academics writing in the Harvard Business Review . The average executive spends 23 hours weekly in meetings, leaving little time to do what they’re paid to do.  

The more people there are in a meeting, the less efficient they are. 

• Problem : Too many people are invited to meetings they don’t need to attend
• Solution : Don’t invite them

Start with those people who have to be there and invite them and nobody else.

Meetings with more people also tend to be less efficient. The more people there are to speak, the longer and harder it becomes to hold the conversation.

How many people is ideal, then? Well, as with most things, it depends. But generally, keeping online meetings to 2-5 people is good practice. You can always keep others in the loop by recording the meeting and sharing clips using tools like tl;dv or taking notes and sharing them afterward.

2. Check calendars to see potential times

Is your calendar a solid block of booked-out time with no breaks at all? That’s because meetings have increased an incredible 70% since the covid pandemic .

When proposing a meeting, it’s a great idea to check that the people who matter are available. (Before checking calendars, see the tip above.)

If you don’t have access to calendars, you can set up an online poll to find a suitable time. If it’s critical that a meeting occurs on a specific date or at a particular time, then go with that.

When asked to attend by your boss, MD, CEO, or senior manager, people will often make the time or face the consequence.

3. Be clear about why the meeting is needed

It sounds like common sense, but state upfront what the meeting is about, what you’re trying to achieve, and why the person (or persons) are invited.

Think of it like a play with five acts:

• You’ve got a problem that affects all of you in some way
• At the meeting, you’ll discuss the problem and agree on a solution
• The people in the meeting will be responsible for delivering the solution
• Problem is solved 
• Everyone lives happily ever after (until the next crisis)

If your meeting request contains parts 1-4, you’ll achieve 5.

4. Send a meeting agenda in advance

Before your meeting, send out an agenda to everyone. As well as breaking down the process of the meeting, an agenda acts as a timely reminder. 

If you’ve been to as many meetings as we have, you’ll know that timekeeping is often an issue, so set out the rules of engagement in the agenda. Here are some tips:

• Introductions can take ages, so if everyone knows each other, don’t bother  
• Set out what you want to achieve at the start
• Put the important stuff at the start, as agendas are always pushed
• Tell people if they don’t need to be at the meeting to leave (and don’t hold a grudge if they do)
• ALWAYS ask people to test their connections before dialing in and ensure they have downloaded the software they need
• Provide instructions on how to share screens
• Let others know in advance if you will be discussing private or confidential matters to prevent participants from dialing in from a train or busy cafe

5. Provide a call to action (CTA)

In the online world, CTAs encourage someone to do something – and the principles work for meeting invites too. If you need people to read and prepare, tell them to do so. It’s always easier if attendees have done their homework.

There’s a real science to writing CTAs (as Hubspot explores here), so we won’t go into it in detail, but check our examples below for some inspiration. 

6. State the time and place clearly

It sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But you should state the time, place, and software you use. If you’re working across time zones, countries, and continents, be sure that everyone understands this.

Blended meetings (where some people are there in-person and others dial-in) are notoriously challenging, so give people clear options and instructions. There’s nothing worse than wasting a quarter of your meeting for someone to download Zoom and dial in. There are also no excuses if you’ve planned things properly.

Meeting request email format

1. meeting request email subject.

Subject lines are the first thing your recipients will see, so make them memorable. Need some inspiration? Here are some email subject line examples for meeting requests:

• Meeting request (insert dates)
• Can you help us? 
• We’re meeting on (insert dates)
• Can you attend a meeting on (insert dates)
• Urgent meeting request

2. How to start an email asking for a meeting

Remember the story narrative we set out above? Now’s the time to put it into practice.

You start your meeting request by explaining who you are and why you’re messaging them. Then set out that reason you’re messaging. Sure, you want to arrange a meeting, but spell out why – whether this is to check on progress, solve a problem, or agree to a solution – and why it’s critical to hold a meeting.

You’ll see examples of how to do this below, but here’s a great cookie-cutter example:

3. How to write the body of the meeting request email

The body of your email is the filling in your sandwich, so make it satisfying. Remembering the narrative we set out above, provide a breakdown of what the meeting is, why you’re calling it and what you hope to achieve by the end.

People won’t read through mountains of text, so say it succinctly as possible. Don’t be afraid to break up information into blocks; use bold type to highlight important parts and use bullet points.

We can’t tell you what to include in your meeting requests, but we can show you how to write them – and at the end, you’ll find 24 examples.

4. How to end an email requesting a meeting

Remember rules 5 and 6 from above: provide a CTA and give the time and place. Tell them if you want people to do certain things (read a document, watch a video, or prepare a presentation).

If you’re calling the meeting, you’re also calling the shots, so be confident in asking for what you want.

Request for meeting email samples and templates

Now we’re ready to see some sample emails requesting a meeting. In fact, here are 24!

These meeting email request samples are here to give you some ideas and inspiration. Of course, you’ll need to include information here to make these work. But, whether you work as a senior executive in a Silicon Valley start-up or are starting out in accounts, these samples will work for you all. 

24 requests for meeting email samples

1. how to request a meeting with your boss sample email.

Take charge of the situation and get a meeting in the diary with this straightforward and direct meeting request for your boss. In this example, we ask the boss to suggest some times and dates for the meeting, rather than dictate to them when they should meet us (because they’re in charge, right?).

2. One-on-one meeting request email sample

This example is similar to the requested email above, but we’ll assume you’ve got something specific you want to discuss with your boss – and want some privacy to chat. 

3. Business meeting request email example

This is a more formal approach for a meeting where we spell out the objectives. Then, after that, it’s about getting things done!

4. Professional email to request a meeting sample

This sample targets a potential client or customer you’ve never met. It’s a typical prospecting email with the end result: a meeting request. 

5. Follow-up email for meeting request sample

This email follows the prospecting email above and acts as a reminder. It’s short and straight to the point…

6. Meeting request email sample to manager

Your boss is (if they are anything like ours) busy, so we’ve kept this meeting request email sample to a manager short and sweet.

7. Casual meeting request email sample

You don’t need to be formal if you're friends with someone. Here’s a casual meeting request sample you can use to get a date in the diary.

8. Sample email requesting availability for a meeting

Sometimes you’ll need to get availability from someone before you go through the process of arranging a meeting. Use our sample email requesting availability for a meeting template, and you won’t go wrong!

9. Sample email to request a meeting with client

Here’s a sample email to request a meeting with a client! This is an email to a client you have a relationship with. It may be too informal for a new client, so update and amend it.

10. Introduction meeting request email sample

Introduction meetings are a great way to present a new employee, client, or contact to someone. Here’s a standard introduction meeting request email sample that’s brief and ideal for business meetings.

11. Lunch meeting request email sample

What’s better than a meeting? A lunch meeting!

In our lunch meeting sample request, we let the person you’re meeting pick the place (it’s only polite, after all).

12. Requesting a phone call meeting email sample

Sometimes after a meeting, you’ll need to arrange a phone call to discuss some details. Our email sample requesting a phone call is a great template, so get busy.

• Insert bullet point(s)

13. Request to reschedule meeting email sample

Plans can change; if they do, it’s polite to let people know. In this request to reschedule a meeting sample, we don’t provide a lengthy explanation, as there’s no need, but feel free to add more detail if you want to.

14. Sales meeting request email sample

Sales meetings are crucial for any company, creating connections and generating cash (hopefully!). This sales meeting request email sample is a way to get to the business with your prospect to close a deal.

• Details about your company
• References from other customers
• Answer to a question
• Assessing if (Your solution) is the right fit for your company
• 15 minute demo of how (Your solution) brings value to companies like you
• Answering questions that arise

15. Team meeting request email sample

Team meetings are an important way to get everyone together and communicate. But, they can be drawn out and dull, particularly if there’s no agenda. In this team meeting request sample, we provide a helpful template that could help you avoid these issues.

• Add some bullet point(s)

16. Urgent meeting request email sample

Urgent meetings can be tough to call as everyone seems so busy. The key is to make it clear why your meeting is a priority. Then, keep it on point with our professional urgent meeting request sample.

17. Request for virtual meeting email sample

Virtual meetings make getting together easier than ever. But there are some considerations, including software and technology. We tackle these issues in our request for a virtual meeting email sample. 

18. Request for Zoom meeting email sample

Zoom meetings are a popular online platform for professional meetings. While Teams is standard as part of the Microsoft 365 package, you’ll need to download Zoom for it to work and have the meeting code and ID to get let in. Our request for a Zoom meeting email sample deals with it all.

19. Informal meeting request email sample

Business correspondence doesn’t have to be boring, as our informal meeting request sample shows. Of course, this won’t be suitable for everyday use, but if you’re friendly with the people you’re messaging, feel free to be a little less formal.

20. Formal meeting request email sample

This formal meeting request email sample is the opposite of the one above. This formal meeting request sample is ideal for sending to anyone you’ve never met before.

21. Face-to-face meeting request email sample

Sometimes only a face-to-face meeting will do. This face-to-face meeting request sample sets out the date, time, and place of your meeting. Just don’t forget to turn up!

22. Cold email meeting request sample

This cold email meeting request sample is what professionals call prospecting. Of course, you’re not sure if you’ll get a response, but you should send the request anyway because it could be the start of something big.

23. Request for a meeting appointment email sample

What’s a meeting appointment? It’s a request for a meeting time from someone important (a doctor or other professional). Use our request for a meeting appointment email to create a great impression on anyone you need to. 

24. Request for meeting agenda email sample

Not been sent the agenda for your meeting? Use our request for a meeting agenda template to ensure you get the docs you need before it kicks off.

Meeting request email template

We’ve focused entirely on emails inviting others to meetings, but what happens when you’re the one being asked to attend? Here are a few ways you can respond to meeting requests for events you want to attend and those that you don’t.

1. Accept a meeting request email template

It’s always great to give good news. So here’s our email template for accepting a meeting.

2. Decline meeting request email template

You may have another engagement or simply have something better to do than attend a meeting. Whatever your reasons for turning down a meeting, telling the person is polite, and here’s how to do it.

Flowrite’a schedule a meeting email template

Let’s face it. Scheduling meetings is one of the most tedious tasks in working life.

Because all of us can’t (unfortunately) afford to employ an assistant to schedule our meetings for us, we created Flowrite’s AI-powered meeting scheduler:

We guarantee that this will help you book that meeting faster than ever.

Responding to a meeting request email with Flowrite

Another thing we hate is replying to countless Google Meet, Zoom and Teams meeting requests. Luckily Flowrite can help us with this too.

It’s often as fast as choosing the right template (Decline/Accept a meeting) and clicking “Generate response”. All in all maybe 5 seconds. That’s the magic of Flowrite!

Final words

The ability to arrange a meeting is a basic skill we all need to work and live. But that doesn't mean it’s easy.

We hope that breaking down the process into simple steps will make it easy for you to write meeting request emails.

If you get stuck, remember that meeting requests follow a simple structure. Don’t overthink it, just get the intro right, outline the meeting’s date, time, place, and purpose, and you’ll be fine.

If you get stuck, Flowrite is there for you with our handy meeting request email template .

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Meeting scheduler

Reply to: "

Hi Kyle, I'm Jane, an early-stage investor at Primity.vc. I just noticed Grava, and I wanted to say congratulations on the amazing progress you've made! It's really impressive how quickly your company has grown in such a short time. I would love to learn more about what you're doing and see if we can find a way for Primity.vc to be involved with your company's success going forward. Please let me know when would be a good time for us to talk. Best, Jane

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

courtesy visit

Meanings of courtesy and visit.

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(Definition of courtesy and visit from the Cambridge English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

• Examples of courtesy visit

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singing or playing notes that are at the right pitch (= level) or that agree with others being sung or played

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• Definition of courtesy
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Courtesy Calls: A Great Way to Enhance CX

If you are looking to improve the customer experience, courtesy calls (sometimes misspelt as curtesy calls) can provide you with an opportunity to nurture relationships, show appreciation, and provide exceptional customer service.

In this article, we define courtesy calls, exploring the ins and outs of courtesy calling – including their purpose, timing, benefits, and potential pitfalls.

What Is Courtesy Calling?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary , a courtesy call is “a visit or phone call that a company makes to customers, for example, to thank them for their business or ask if they are satisfied with the company’s service”.

The practice of ‘courtesy calling’ therefore refers to businesses routinely phoning out to customers for the purpose of expressing gratitude, offering assistance, or simply maintaining a relationship. These calls are usually proactive and serve to engage with customers on a more personal level.

An Example of a Courtesy Call

“Hello, Mrs. Smith. I’m just calling today to find out how you are getting on with your new boiler and if I can answer any questions for you?”

How Can Courtesy Calling Enhance CX?

Courtesy calls typically occur after the initial purchase or interaction with a customer. They are often positioned as a post-sale follow-up.

However, they can also be used throughout the customer journey to nurture the relationship and foster long-term loyalty.

These calls can be conducted over the phone or via video conferencing, depending on the nature of the business and the customer’s preference.

Fun Fact About Courtesy Calls

In British English, courtesy call is pronounced ‘KUR-tuh-see-kawl’. However, it’s pronounced ‘KUR-duh-see-kawl’ in U.S. English – according to the Oxford English Dictionary .

Who Makes Courtesy Calls?

Courtesy calls are typically made by individuals within customer service or contact centre departments.

Job titles may vary, but common positions responsible for conducting courtesy calls include:

• Customer service representatives (also known as ‘agents’ and ‘advisors’)
• Account managers
• Client relationship managers

Why Do Businesses Make Courtesy Calls?

Businesses engage in courtesy calls for 4 key reasons, including to:

1. Follow Up With New Customers

A courtesy call after a product has been purchased lets you check that the customer is happy with their purchase and shows that you value their custom.

Courtesy calls offer a chance to address any concerns or issues the customer may have

2. Address Concerns

Courtesy calls offer a chance to address any concerns or issues the customer may have, reinforcing the commitment to excellent customer service.

These calls can also serve to upsell or cross-sell products or services, further benefiting the business by deepening the customer relationship and share of wallet.

4. Share Progress on an Existing Issue

For example, to remind the customer that an engineer will be visiting them at 2 o’clock today to fix the problem they recently reported.

What Are the Benefits of Making Courtesy Calls?

Courtesy calls offer several benefits for both businesses and customers, including to:

1. Enhance Customer Loyalty

From a business perspective, these calls contribute to building stronger customer relationships, enhancing customer loyalty, and increasing Customer Lifetime Value (CLV).

For more great ideas on winning customer loyalty, read our article: 7 Key Ideas for Winning Customer Loyalty

2. Gather Feedback

By actively engaging with customers, businesses can gather valuable feedback, address issues promptly, and improve their products or services.

3. Seek Assistance

For customers, courtesy calls provide a platform to voice their opinions, seek assistance, and feel valued as individuals.

What Are Some of the Pitfalls of Courtesy Calls?

While courtesy calls can be an effective relationship-building tool, there are potential pitfalls to be aware of, including:

1. The Challenge of Timing

Calls that are too frequent or poorly timed may come across as intrusive or pushy, leading to customers getting annoyed.

2. Poor Training

Additionally, if representatives are not adequately trained or prepared for the calls, they may not be able to address customer concerns or questions adequately.

3. Too Salesy

Another pitfall is the potential for customers to perceive courtesy calls as insincere or purely sales-driven, diminishing the positive impact of the interaction.

What to Cover in Your Next Courtesy Call

Each call presents an opportunity to strengthen the customer relationship, demonstrate excellent customer service, and foster loyalty towards your business – drawing on the essential rules of phone etiquette.

By structuring the call effectively and addressing key points, businesses can maximize the impact of these interactions and leave a positive impression on their customers.

When making a courtesy call, it is therefore important to have a clear understanding of what to include in the conversation.

Here are some essential elements to include in a courtesy call:

1. Greeting and Introduction

Start the call by warmly greeting the customer and introducing yourself. Use a friendly and professional tone to establish a positive atmosphere right from the beginning.

Briefly remind the customer about your previous interaction or connection to set the context.

For more information on customer service greetings, read our article: The Best Customer Service Greeting Phrases – With Examples

2. Express Gratitude

Show appreciation for the customer’s business and express gratitude for their support. Let them know that you value their relationship and that their satisfaction is important to you. Acknowledge their loyalty and the trust they have placed in your business.

3. Purpose of the Call

Be transparent about why you are reaching out and emphasize that your intention is to ensure their needs are met.

Clearly state the purpose of the courtesy call. It could be to follow up on a recent purchase, enquire about their satisfaction with a product or service, offer assistance or support, or simply to check in and see how they are doing.

4. Active Listening

During the call, actively listen to the customer’s responses, concerns, or feedback. Give them ample opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings.

Take notes if necessary to ensure you capture all the relevant information. This demonstrates that their opinions are valued and that you are committed to meeting their needs.

Looking to train your agents on active listening? Read our article: How to Train Active Listening in the Call Centre – With Four Exercises

5. Problem Resolution

If the customer raises any issues or concerns, be empathetic and understanding while actively working towards finding a solution as quickly as possible.

Offer alternatives, provide information, or escalate the matter to the appropriate department if needed. Aim to leave the customer feeling heard and confident that their concerns are being addressed.

6. Upselling or Cross-Selling Opportunities

There may be appropriate moments to explore upselling or cross-selling opportunities.

If relevant, mention any new products, upgrades, or complementary services that might enhance the customer’s experience.

However, be cautious not to come across as overly sales-focused, as this may undermine the efforts being made to build a positive working relationship.

7. Closing and Next Steps

Before concluding the call, summarize the key points discussed and confirm any actions to be taken. If necessary, schedule follow-up calls or appointments to ensure ongoing support. Thank the customer once again for their time and reiterate your commitment to their satisfaction.

8. Documentation and Follow-Up

After the call, make sure to document the details of the conversation, including any action items or commitments made. This information will be valuable for future reference and will help maintain consistency in customer interactions.

If applicable, follow up with the customer via email or another preferred communication channel to provide additional information or confirm the resolution of any issues.

By incorporating these elements into your courtesy calls, you can ensure that the conversation is purposeful, engaging, and focused on meeting the customer’s needs.

When to Avoid Using Courtesy Calls

While courtesy calls can be a valuable tool in building customer relationships, it is important to recognize situations where they may not be appropriate or preferred.

It is important to recognize when alternative methods may be more suitable or when courtesy calls may not align with the customer’s preferences, so businesses can tailor communication strategies for optimal results and customer satisfaction.

Here are some instances when it may be best to avoid using courtesy calls:

1. Unsolicited Calls

Making courtesy calls to customers who have not explicitly expressed interest or consented to receiving such calls can be perceived as intrusive or unwelcome.

It is crucial to respect privacy preferences and adhere to applicable laws and regulations, such as “do not call” lists, to avoid upsetting customers.

2. Time-Sensitive Matters

Courtesy calls may not be the most efficient method of communication when dealing with urgent issues.

In situations where immediate action is required, it may be more appropriate for an account manager to handle the matter separately – instead of waiting for the affected customer to reach the top of the dialling queue in due course.

3. Customers’ Preferred Communication Channels

Some customers may have specific preferences for communication channels and may not appreciate receiving courtesy calls.

It is essential to respect their choices and use the channels they have indicated as their preferred means of contact. This could include email, live chat, or self-service portals.

4. Repeat Calls Before an Issue Is Properly Resolved

If a customer has already reached out to your business with an issue or concern, and the matter is still unresolved, repeated courtesy calls without progress or updates may frustrate the customer.

In such cases, it is advisable to focus on actively resolving the issue rather than repeatedly checking in without tangible results.

5. Negative Customer Feedback

If a customer has expressed dissatisfaction or provided negative feedback about their experience with your business, a courtesy call may not be the most appropriate first response.

In such cases, it is advisable to address the feedback through a different channel, such as email or a formal complaint resolution process, to ensure the customer feels heard and to allow for a more thoughtful and measured response.

By following this guidance, you can ensure that every courtesy call serves to actively build and maintain positive relationships and ultimately enhance the customer experience (CX).

For further reading:

• The Best Courtesy Words and Expressions to Use in Customer Service

Published On: 26th Jul 2023 - Last modified: 29th Jan 2024 Read more about - Customer Service Strategy , CX

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Related Reports

Customer Courtesy: What It Is and 8 Best Practices to Do It Right

Published: January 25, 2022

Courtesy can mean a lot. It goes a long way in day-to-day life — and even longer in the context of customer service .

Customer courtesy can be the difference between winning new business for free and losing current business altogether. It's something that needs to be instilled in your support reps' training and daily operations.

Here, I'll provide a picture of why courtesy is so important in customer service and offer some strategies reps can and should use to improve their customer courtesy.

Customer Courtesy

Customer courtesy is the sum of various behaviors a company's support reps engage in to show customers they're valued and being heard. The hope is that demonstrating customer courtesy will help a business build customer loyalty and facilitate free promotion through positive word of mouth.

It can be tough to stay patient with certain customers — anyone who has ever worked in customer support can attest to that. That's why every service rep at your company must be equipped with the skills and strategies necessary to remain composed and courteous throughout every interaction they take part in.

By being courteous to customers, reps can create a better customer experience and increase customer delight . This, in turn, will positively impact the bottom line at your company. And the data shows it, too. According to Zendesk’s research, 75% of customers will buy more from a company that offers a good customer experience.

Why Is Courtesy Important in Customer Service?

Your customer service reps are on the front lines when it comes to shaping the public's perception of your business. Their demeanor speaks to the character of your company. If you want to project a positive image and retain customers, your reps need to be patient, easygoing, and — above all else — courteous.

Remember, no one wants to have to call customer support. The fact that someone is getting in touch with you means they're dealing with a problem. If you can help them work through their issues with patience and compassion, you can build trust between them and your business. And that trust will translate to referrals, recommendations, and a glowing brand image.

How? Customer courtesy often translates to loyalty, and loyalty often translates to new business. Customers — like anyone else — want to be treated with respect and decency. If your support department's operations consistently deliver on those principles, your customers will know that you value their business and that you appreciate them individually.

If they can expect that kind of attention, they'll see your business in a positive light.

They'll stick with you and, more importantly, speak highly of you. Excellent customer support is one of the best ways to turn a customer into an evangelist — a voice that consistently vouches for and promotes your business.

Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful resources for business promotion, and outstanding customer service can facilitate it. In fact, 81% of marketers said that exceptional service was the best way to generate positive word of mouth.

Customer courtesy is the bedrock for all of that. If your reps aren't careful, compassionate, and calm with customers, they won't be able to provide service that customers will be excited about — not enough to talk your business up to their friends, at least.

How Reps Can Improve Customer Courtesy

• Ask the customer how they would like to be referred to.
• Practice active listening.
• Commit to every problem — even the ones you solve all the time.
• Use personal pronouns.
• Be empathetic.
• Walk the customer through what you’re doing.
• Escalate the issue to the right party.
• Express some gratitude and offer more help when you sign off.

1. Ask the customer how they would like to be referred to.

There's a personal element to customer courtesy that you always have to account for. Let the customer know they're talking to a real person with a real interest in solving their problem.

Defaulting to calling them "sir" or "ma'am" can seem cold or calculated. Have them tell you how they want to be addressed. Doing so can add another dimension of authenticity and courtesy to your service interaction.

After, be sure to use that mode of address during the interaction. If the customer gives you their name but you don’t use it throughout the interaction, it’ll seem like you asked for no reason.

2. Practice active listening.

Hashing out a problem with a customer is a two-way street. If you want them to listen to you, you have to listen to them. It's crucial to learn and refine your active listening skills. Gently interject with short phrases, like "yes," "okay," "I see," or "go on" to facilitate the conversation. Let the customer finish speaking before troubleshooting. Ask questions, and rephrase their explanations of their issues in your own words.

Customer courtesy doesn't mean much if the customer doesn't feel like they're being heard. Active listening shows you're doing just that. It lets them know you care about them and the concern at hand.

3. Commit to every problem — even the ones you solve all the time.

As a support rep, it's almost a given that more than one customer will come to you with the same issue. Sometimes, you're so used to addressing that repeat issue that you can seem jaded when solving it for customers. It's tempting to take your foot off the gas in these cases, but you can't. You have to treat every issue with urgency and compassion — even the ones that come up all the time.

Customer courtesy occurs on a personal level, and you have to treat every customer accordingly. Give them a full, personalized support experience that they'll want to talk about — no matter what problem they come to you with.

4. Use personal pronouns.

Just like asking a customer how they want to be addressed, using personal pronouns will increase the personal element of customer courtesy. Use terms like "I" and "you" — avoid the term "we." Saying "we" in reference to the company as a whole comes off as impersonal and callous.

Show you have an interest in the customer as a person — not a revenue source. Customer courtesy is, in large part, a conversational art. Very few people refer to themselves as "we" in everyday conversation.

5. Be empathetic.

Chances are that you’ve dealt with an issue similar to your customer’s in the past. You may have needed to return an item and reach out to a company’s service team, or you may have needed to troubleshoot an issue with your order. Regardless of the industry you work in, you can do wonders to increase your courteousness by practicing empathy and seeing the issue from your customers’ perspective.

Even if the customer acts rudely toward you, you’ll be able to respond in a calm and self-possessed manner by understanding where they may be coming from. If customers exhibit poor behavior, it’s not necessary to excuse them — everyone needs to act courteously during a customer service interaction. But it is important to understand them.

And remember, if the customer is acting so poorly that it’s difficult to be courteous, feel free to transfer them to your manager when possible.

6. Walk the customer through what you’re doing.

If you’re on a call with a customer, let them know that you’re actively solving the issue by walking them through what you’re doing.

Don’t let there be silence between you and the customer, unless there’s nothing to say. If you’re trying to access their order history, you could say, “I’m accessing your orders right now.” Something so simple can go a long way in making the customer feel like you’re taking proactive steps to find the issue and resolve it.

7. Escalate the issue to the right party.

No one wants to hear that there’s nothing you can do for their issue. If it’s truly not within your power to fix the customer’s problem, be sure to escalate the issue to a party who can. This simple act of courtesy will take the customer service experience from serviceable to delightful.

It will show that you’re committed to helping the customer solve their problem, and that you’ve identified the right person who’ll be able to help them.

8. Express some gratitude and offer more help when you sign off.

In the interest of customer courtesy, your goodbye should be some combination of an expression of gratitude and an offer for further assistance — something like, "I'm happy I could help you out today, [name]. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" Let them know you're grateful for their business and always available for them should they need more help.

Customer courtesy will make all the difference.

Customers want to know they're valued — not just valuable. And the key to customer courtesy is conveying that you believe that. Demonstrate that you care through your conduct. Go the extra mile to make their experience that much easier.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in April 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Where Thought Leaders go for Growth

The importance of customer visits: Tools & tips

Table of contents, what are the benefits, who does it concern and why, what is a customer visit program, before the visit, during the visit, after the visit, final tips: how to simplify the customer visit.

Nowadays, with people being so connected, companies often or completely forget the importance of customer visits. A Digital tool can show you statistics, but can it actually read the true interests or intentions of a client?

The answer to that is most likely not. Usually, the more customers you gain or have to deal with, the more it is essential to keep a close relationship with them.

Wouldn’t you like to be considered more than a data or a click on an ad? I’m pretty sure you would.

Why are customer visits important?

Customers are constantly being solicited by your sales team or your competitor's. In fact, they will likely appreciate talking with a salesman who is not trying to sell goods, but instead someone who is invested in hearing about their problems and preferences. So, by meeting with them:

• It helps customers feel appreciated
• It creates a certain bond: Meeting clients in their environment shows you how they integrate your software in their workday. You’d be able to study their behavior and show them your support
• It detects needs or problems that would not have been obvious on the telephone or by e-mail
• Finally, company workers will feel more motivated as they will get honest and personal feedback of their product or service

You must keep in mind that you are not the only one soliciting that customer, it is a competitive market, so getting as much personal information as possible will keep you ahead of the game. And finally, seeing their smile and satisfaction in person can be the best reward ever.

You might want to bring your whole team such as the marketing and analytics members to the meeting but remember the goal here is not to sell but to listen and be understanding. Therefore, it should only concern the most profitable customers. And here is how to do it:

• Refer to your CRM tool and highlight, via the sales dashboard or cross tables, those who have ordered the most often or with the best average basket;
• Profile your customers. For instance, by using a progression metric, which assumes that the most interesting customers are those who have the best potential (good contact, several exchanges to date) but who have not yet made many purchases.

In a logic of cost reduction, a strategy to take into account is also the optimization of b2b sales funnel : you organize your customer visits by geographical area , and link them in order to lose as little time as possible between each appointment. 

This method can only boost your notoriety amongst customers and build customer loyalty. Because once it is done properly, it increases your efficiency to read and better understand the customer. And as it is generally said, time is money as well as of the essence.

Tips: Check out our lead generation in digital marketing and lead conversion to know how to best generate and convert lead into customer!

• The Best B2B Sales Lead Generation Strategies
• The 7 Fundamental Steps of a B2B Sales Cycle

A customer visit provides an opportunity for interaction between the parties involved to reach a settlement. Discussions may include pricing and terms, advertising, and 'team' approaches to visits. Strategizing is very essential and should not be omitted. It really gives you a true insight into a customer’s perspective.

Customer visits can be divided into four classes:

• It can be a Customer visit with the senior management team. Owners, presidents, general managers, and so on.
• A customer visit with the sales managers
• A customer visit with a team of two or more people.
• And finally, a customer visit with an individual. This could be a member of the sales management team or a sales person.

How to prepare for it?

Preparation is key as it helps with your confidence and organization.

• First step is to make an appointment with the person or people in charge.

Ask them when they will be available and set a time and date.

Make sure that each party is aware of what the meeting will be about beforehand.

Speak to them about confidentiality, that everything you report back to your team will be done with their consent.

• On your end, if you haven’t already, keep studying your customer.

See what has changed in the use of the product from now up until the day of the meeting. Study their company, visit their website to know more about their products, services, and their world. Build a client portfolio or a persona. 

It will help you personalize the interview with a guaranteed effect!

Make sure each attendee on your team knows their role.

Review and reread your files as well as the history of exchanges and purchases, if applicable, to have all the keys in hand.

Do not forget to have a backup plan. It shows your professionalism in case something goes wrong.

Pay attention to CAC customer acquisition cost and customer lifetime value calculation to balance your fee.  

Once every concerned individual is informed about the meeting, this is where you get into the gist of things.

Start off with light conversations, then get to the purpose of the meeting.

Make them feel comfortable. You do not want to seem too keen to get down to business.

Keep in mind that this is a mutual agreement, so the customer or client won’t run away. Nevertheless, here are a few topics you can do and speak about:

• Be at the same time the student and the mentor. Pay attention to them as well as try to find the best solution to their problem.
• Get to know what their daily work life looks like. Ask open-ended questions. Allow the customer to take the lead and talk.
• If possible, focus on who uses your products or services more. And if so, how often and what are the main reasons?
• Once you have determined the necessity they have for said products and services, ask them what they would like to be changed. Are there any bugs?
• Above all, take notes, whether the information seems useful to you in the short, medium or long term, or not, perhaps this data will be useful later or will speak to one of your colleagues.
• Finally, don’t leave the room without summarizing what was said, as well as speaking of the next step you will take to ensure their needs are met.

Many benefits can come out of this.

Have a debrief . Review what happened. What did you learn? Were some of your questions answered? Did you reach your goals? What was the most helpful?

Then, follow up with the customer and your team . Send the customer a thank-you note, so they can know you appreciate the time spent together and the feedback they have given you.

It doesn’t need to stop there, as keeping a close relationship and giving your customer or client the best experience is not a day process but a constant and ongoing contact with them. Which is why your next steps should involve:

• making a new appointment,
• drawing up a diagnosis or a commercial proposal ,
• preparing for the negotiation based on the customer's specific requests,
• identifying trends in the marketplace . If a number of your customer visits reveal the same concern, this may be an area that you need to focus on.
• communicating important elements to the relevant teams (e.g. the after-sales team).

Customer relations, like all professions, are going digital.

This is all the more appropriate as salespeople are professionals who often work on the move.

It is therefore essential to equip them with a mobile sales management application.

There are interesting tools for note-taking and customer visit reports, as it allows you to create any business document, tailored to your image.

Your documents are unified and 100% dematerialized, for consistency and centralization that benefits the whole company, especially the sales representatives in the field, who no longer lose any of their work.

Depending on the different email scenarios configured, the managers receive a summary and the customer a recap by email. And if the visit is successful, you can even have the customer sign an order in the same breath!

The tool can also communicate with your CRM, a second essential tool which thanks to technology can directly be mobile, that is to say on your phones and tablets.

Using a flexible and customizable software, your sales representatives have all the necessary tools at their disposal on their smartphone or tablet: customer files updated in real time, connection to your ERP, generation of sales documents (quotations, order forms, invoices), and access to order history, stocks and your catalogue.

And you, have you tested any digital tools for your customer relations?

What did you think of them?

If you are still here, here is one last piece of advice: Always look to the future but do not forget that customer satisfaction is crucial to a company’s success.

Nothing beats a face to face meeting as hidden gems can be said. Take the time to know who you are catering to. Customers buy when they feel loyalty and consideration. Do not overlook great relationships that can lead to great opportunities.

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How To Use Customer Visits To Increase Engagement And Advocacy

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by Influitive | Oct 16, 2017 | Advocate Marketing 101 | 1 comment

eBook The Advocate Marketing Playbook The Advocate Marketing Playbook provides marketers with a blueprint from which to build and manage a successful advocate marketing program. It’s a… Download eBook

There are so many ways to identify and nurture advocates that sometimes you might miss the easy wins right under your nose.

When your customers are in town for a vacation, conference, or business meeting, why not invite them to visit your office?

Customer visits are a great way to deepen relationships with your advocates, as well as promote your advocate marketing program internally.

They can range in time commitment from simply taking a customer out for lunch to developing an agenda for a full-day visit.

Crafting the perfect customer visit

One way to maximize the benefit of the visit is to ask the customer to do a 30-minute session with your employees.

Think about it: not everybody in your organization gets to meet customers and learn about what they are doing with your product. Hearing it right from the customer can be invaluable, especially for product or marketing teams who aren’t in customer-facing roles.

Customers are usually eager and happy to give something in return for you providing some training, or setting up meetings with the product team, executives, and/or their CSM. Plus, having them do a presentation is a great way to see how well a customer presents with an eye towards upcoming User Groups or conference presentations.

We keep these meeting very short and informal to keep the pressure low, with about 20 minutes of presentation followed by Q&A. Slides are not necessary and we assure them that there’s no pressure to record or use their content for marketing. At Crimson Hexagon , we have found that the larger the license, the lower the likelihood that a company will approve public acts of advocacy. However, we do find that many customers are thrilled to share their stories publicly, and there have been many presentations that have led to published case studies.

How to get customers to sign up for a visit

The opportunity for customer visits is promoted formally in our customer newsletter, and plugged informally in conversations with Customer Success Managers. The customer may just happen to mention they are coming to Boston, and our advocate marketing team takes the weight off of the CSM by managing the details. Another way to make your advocates aware of this opportunity would be to simply make it a challenge in your Hub .

Once we’ve identified an interested customer, we do the following:

• Get on a call with the customer and their CSM to develop an agenda and lock down the details
• Have our advocate marketing team book the room, invite the right people to the meeting, and order lunch
• Plan ways to make the advocate feel special the day of, like updating the Welcome Screen in our lobby to greet them

If there is also going to be a presentation, we also:

• Determine who the best person is to introduce our guest
• Make sure an Executive says hello and is in the audience
• Send an invite to all employees (including remote), along with a day-of reminder

                              A recent customer presentation at the Crimson Hexagon HQ

Why customer visits benefit your advocates and your company

We have had great success with customer visits from Fortune 100 companies, agencies, government, and non-profits. A customer visit program is a great way to raise advocacy’s profile within your organization . It also creates an opportunity to talk about other advocacy opportunities with the customer, such as having them speaking at events , creating content , being involved in a case study , etc.

The benefits from the advocate’s perspective are that it makes them feel special, provides them with an audience for their thought leadership, and strengthens their bond with your company.

Recently, Michael Cornfield , a professor of political science at George Washington University visited our office and told us about his meeting with his CSMs.

What our advocate marketing team finds rewarding is that colleagues across all departments attendm and we get lots of positive comments from employees, especially from finance, HR, and engineering. Our goal is to host two to three of these customer visits per quarter.

If I had a wish, it would be that a few times a year we were able to invite and cover the costs of having a strategic customer come to Boston for a customer visit. It’s getting close to budget time, and I will definitely add it to my 2018 plan.

Related Resources

• Customer Success and Marketing Alignment ebook
• Why Marketing And Customer Success Are Your Brand’s New Super-Duo
• Together, Customer Success Teams And Customer Marketing Can Create A Better Customer Experience

Resource Download

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courtesy visit noun

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What does the noun courtesy visit mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun courtesy visit . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun courtesy visit ?

Where does the noun courtesy visit come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun courtesy visit is in the 1870s.

OED's earliest evidence for courtesy visit is from 1875.

courtesy visit is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: courtesy n. , visit n.

Nearby entries

• courtesy call, n. 1867–
• courtesy card, n. 1885–
• courtesy cop, n. 1923–
• courtesy light, n. 1949–
• courtesy morsel, n. 1614
• courtesy officer, n. 1931–
• courtesy patrol, n. 1926–
• courtesy rank, n. 1840–
• courtesy runner, n. 1915–
• courtesy title, n. 1762–
• courtesy visit, n. 1875–
• court faggot, n. 1523
• court fold, n. 1830–46
• court fool, n. 1642–
• court form, n. 1699
• court game, n. 1881–
• court gate, n. 1423–
• court guide, n. 1792–
• court hall, n. 1470–1800
• court hand, n. 1571–
• court hearing, n. 1882–

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Meaning & use

Entry history for courtesy visit, n..

Originally published as part of the entry for courtesy, n.

courtesy, n. was revised in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1893)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View courtesy, n. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for courtesy visit, n., browse entry.

• You pick the destination, we have all the visa information ready

How to Apply for the Courtesy Visa?

• North America Visas
• Canada Visa
• Canada Visitor Visa Application Process

Canada is one of the most visited countries. From tourists to diplomats travel for different purposes. There are some people of high importance who don’t qualify to get a Canada Diplomatic visa . The Canadian government has set the Canada courtesy visa for these groups.

In this blog, we will explain what exactly is a Canada courtesy visa, the requirements, application process, FAQs, and more.

Table of Contents

What is a Canada Courtesy Visa?

The visa for diplomats and officials from foreign countries is a Diplomatic and Official Visa. Some people don’t qualify to get a Diplomatic visa even though they have an important position. Such people have official duties in Canada. So, the Canadian government introduced Courtesy Visa to them.

The Courtesy Visa has the same rules as the Diplomatic and Official visa. When you have a Diplomatic visa, you may enter Canada to complete official duties. But you can only stay for a short period.

With your Diplomatic visa, you may not :

• Get Canadian citizenship.
• Stay longer than your visa’s validity.
• Get Canadian-issued documents.
• Apply to get Canadian benefits such as health coverage.

If you don’t have official duties in Canada and want to visit the country, you should apply for a Tourist Visa. You may not apply for a Courtesy Visa.

Who is Eligible for Canada Courtesy Visa?

You must follow a few requirements to be eligible for a Courtesy Visa. Applicants must justify why the government should give them this visa. Courtesy visa is equal to a Diplomatic visa.

To receive the Courtesy visa, first, you must be eligible for the Temporary Resident visas. You should have the following requirements too:

• You must have a significant position in your government.
• The Canadian government should have an agreement or bilateral interest in your country.
• You should have an official invitation from an international institution or the Canadian government to come to Canada.
• A valid passport from your government, valid for longer than the time you will spend in Canada.
• You must have official duties in Canada.

If you have these requirements, the Canadian Embassy might ask for more proof. You should convince them why they should give you this visa.

If you can’t prove you are eligible, you get rejected right away. The only way after this is to apply for a different sort of Canada visa.

The process of application for Courtesy Visa is different from other Resident Visas. It is a bit like the Diplomatic and Official Visa. If you have the mentioned requirements and want to visit Canada for official duties, you can submit your direct visa application to the Canadian Embassy.

In case your documents are not in French or English, you should have them translated. You should also get the verification that translation is correct.

Step 1. Eligibility

The first step in the application for a Canada courtesy visa is to be eligible. You can read the parts above to see whether you are eligible or not. Please note that the visa you apply for must suit the purpose of your visit.

Step 2. Gathering the Requirements

Besides the required documents for any Canada visa application, you have to submit these documents:

• A valid passport issued from the government.
• Your financial reports to prove you have enough money to afford the trip to Canada.
• A written letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affair s to accredit the head of mission or post.
• A formal request for a diplomatic mission or consular post of your government.
•  An international organization written request. It should be in the Temporary Worker Guidelines .
• Secretaries of the International Civil Aviation Organization letter for the diplomat or official will work with them. It must be on behalf of the Secretary-General or signed by him.
•  Different invitations from an international agency or governmental institution in Canada.
• Your Declaration Letter to the Canadian Government explaining why they should give you the Courtesy Visa
• The details of your official duties in Canada, in one itinerary.
• Visa photos according to the Canada photo requirements.

If you want to know how to move to Canada as a nurse , read this article .

Step 3. Appointment with the Canadian Embassy

You should schedule an appointment with the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. You could get a date through their website or by phone. When the date comes, you should attend it in person. Don’t forget to bring your requirements and passport.

When you submitted the requirements, you have to pay the fee. If officials ask about your biometrics, you have to pay the fee for it as well.

As you are not an official or diplomat, the Embassy may ask for your Biometric information. They might even ask you to go through a medical examination.

If they asked this, you should submit:

• Your photos
• Fingerprints
• Go through the necessary tests and submit the medical form to a licensed doctor
• The results of the test and the mentioned documents.

You Might have to go through an interview. The Canadian visa officer will ask you about the purpose of your visit and your background.

Step 4. Processing

When you finished all procedures during your appointment, you have to wait. You must wait until your visa gets processed. The processing time for Canada courtesy visa depends on:

• The country you apply from.
• Your special case.
• The Canadian embassy or consulate workload.

If your application gets approved, the officials will send it to you. If get rejected, they will send you a letter explaining the reason.

Move to Canada as a food service supervisor by reading our article.

The Processing Time for a Canada Courtesy Visa

It could take one week to two months for the Consulate to process your application. It much depends on:

Please remember that the Courtesy Visa is not an ordinary visa, and the Embassy rarely approves it. This is why you should have a strong case to get approves

What are the Courtesy Visa fees?

The application fee costs C$100 for all Temporary Resident Visas, so it is for the Courtesy Visa. If you should give your Biometrics information, you should pay its fee of C$85 .

In the end, to get your passport processed, you should pay the processing fee of around C$45.

How Long is the Courtesy Visa Valid?

The Courtesy Visa is usually valid for up to 3 years . It is also often a multiple-entry visa. Please remember that a Canada courtesy visa is a non-immigrant (short-stay visa). You can not stay in the country for longer than six months at a time.

If your official duties are not complete, you must leave the country and enter again.

Can You Bring Your Dependents Under a Courtesy Visa?

As the Courtesy Visa is like the Diplomatic and Official Visa, you may bring your dependents with you to Canada. In this case, your dependents are your spouse and under 22 children.

If your children are over 22, they can go with you only if they are full-time students. If your children are over 25 , they may not accompany you. They have to apply for a Canada Tourist Visa .

As well as your family members, some service staff may come with you if they come to one of these categories:

• Private Servants.
• Live-in Caregivers.

Let’s sum up…

In this blog, we explained all about the Canada Courtesy visa.

We explained the requirements for a Courtesy visa, application process, fees, processing time, a few FAQs, etc.

You can find all the Canada visa information in the world here.

To find out more about the visa that suits you, go through the menu of the site. You can find all types of Canada visas at the left sidebar.

You can check the Visa Library website to find more information about other countries’ visas.

In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.

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• August 23, 2020

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More From Forbes

The real reason for disney's $11 billion streaming losses.

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High cost content such as Loki has driven the woes of Disney+ ©Marvel Studios 2020. All Rights ... [+] Reserved.

Few developments are as well-suited to Disney as streaming. With an archive of more than 8,000 hours of content spanning more than eight decades, it was a no-brainer to offer subscribers online access to it. However, a flaw buried deep in the business model of the Disney+ streaming platform has turned it from Disney's prince charming into an ugly duckling.

Disney+ was launched in late 2019 by the media giant's chief executive Bob Iger who retired the following year and was replaced by the head of its theme park division Bob Chapek. Disney+ was seen as Iger's parting gift and the timing couldn't have been better.

Few major corporations were battered by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 as much as Disney. Covid-19 cast a dark spell on almost all of its divisions. It shuttered the shops that sell its merchandise and the Blu-rays of its movies. It grounded Disney's cruise ships, closed its theme parks and brought the curtain down on the theaters playing its films. There was one exception to this devastation.

For a number of months in 2020, Disney was almost entirely reliant on Disney+ and it came into its own. As people were stuck indoors during lockdown, the popularity of the platform surged and was hailed as Disney's white knight. It was almost unthinkable that it could actually end up bringing the company to its knees but that is exactly what happened over the following years.

As subscriber numbers soared far beyond Disney's forecasts, the Mouse got drunk on its own success and ploughed billions of Dollars into exclusive Disney+ content. By the time it was released, there was a vaccine for Covid-19 and the pandemic had receded. Consumers were left picking up the tab for blockbuster furlough payments creating a global cost of living crisis that endures to this day. It led to people cutting their streaming subscriptions and left Disney with a loss-making platform.

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Disney's share price plummeted and Chapek got the blame. It spurred Iger to return to the top job and he was promptly thrust into two battles with activist investor Trian Partners which wanted board representation to try and bring the magic back to Disney. Trian hasn't had a happy ending in either of its attempts though, as recently revealed on this column, Disney had to take desperate measures to win.

In order to pacify disgruntled stockholders, Disney had to cut $7.5 billion of costs, including a lot of the exclusive streaming content it had commissioned. Despite this, Disney+ has burned up more than $11.4 billion of operating losses since it was launched and isn't forecast to even make a profit until the end of the year. It would have been so easy to prevent this from happening.

Disney has made a loss on its Direct to Consumer division in every quarter since 2020

In order to see the significance of the flaw at the heart of Disney+ we need to go back further than even the launch of the platform and instead start with the birth of Subscription Video On Demand itself. Ironically, the United States Postal Service played a key role in the emergence of this cutting-edge service.

In August 1997, tech entrepreneurs Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph founded a subscription-based mail-order DVD sale and rental business based in Scotts Valley, California. It had a simple USP which was that customers didn't need to return the DVDs they rented. The catch was that until they did so they couldn't rent any more and in the meantime the business collected their monthly subscription fees without needing to pay any postage.

That business was Netflix and by 2009 it was shipping 900 million DVDs a year to more than 10 million subscribers, accounting for around 1.3% of all mail in the United States. Its subscriber numbers peaked at 14 million in 2011 but that was just the start of the story. Four years earlier, the company had taken advantage of advancements in technology to launch a groundbreaking SVOD service which streams media over broadband internet. It was far from an overnight success.

In its early days, Netflix only had 1,000 films available for streaming, compared to 70,000 on DVD. The technology was so far ahead of its time that it took years for widespread broadband adoption to catch up with it. However, when it did, the popularity of its platform surged past its mail-order business taking it to its current tally of 260 million subscribers. Traditional media companies didn't see it coming.

Reed Hastings launched Netflix as a DVD delivery service (Photo By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

In an interview with us for the Mail on Sunday , former Disney chief executive Michael Eisner explained that "Reed Hastings, who is a genius in this area, took selling DVDs by mail and said 'well, our real name is Netflix. We want to stream them now.' Nobody thought of that. Several companies had the ability to buy Netflix early for nothing." They ended up regretting it as Netflix is now the world's biggest media company by market capitalization with a value of $275.3 billion. It needed more than just streaming to get there.

As Eisner explained, Hastings "created a business strategy and that was buying everybody's library. Everybody agreed to sell their library to him which was probably a mistake for them but they made a lot of money on it and it kept a lot of companies afloat."

In 2014, Disney got in on the action when it announced that it would spend $200 million over three years filming four Netflix series based on its Marvel super heroes characters Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Daredevil. This culminated in a team-up miniseries called The Defenders, but it didn't stop there as a sequel series to Daredevil recently wrapped filming in New York City. The difference is that this time it will be exclusive to Disney+.

When media companies began to realize that they should get in on the streaming game they pulled their content from Netflix and launched their own direct-to-consumer platforms. Disney didn't do it by halves.

In December 2017 Iger stunned the media industry by announcing a $71 billion deal to buy 21st Century Fox. It gave Disney the movie rights to super hero squads the X-Men and the Fantastic Four as well as control of streaming service Hulu and adult-focused content such as The Simpsons and Family Guy . This diversified Disney's content making it appeal to a wider audience of potential streaming subscribers.

As Iger revealed when he announced the deal, "One of the most exciting aspects of our Fox acquisition is that it will allow us to greatly accelerate our DTC strategy, enabling us to better serve consumers around the world." Two years later at the MoffettNathanson Conference he reiterated this and added "the lens that we analyzed 21CF through was with an eye toward eventually launching DTC businesses." It was an costly way to do it and this was only the start.

One of the USPs of Disney+ is the depth of its library which has more that 13,000 shows on it in 39 languages. That's the majority of Disney's back catalogue but it doesn't stop there. Disney also puts new releases on the platform a matter of months after they play in theaters which makes it a force to be reckoned with.

Previously, customers had to pay theaters repeatedly to see the same new movie multiple times. But on Disney+ they can watch it as many times as they like for around the same monthly cost as a single theater ticket. What's more, for that price they don't just get access to one new Disney movie, they get access to all new Disney movies and pretty much its entire back catalogue. It may sound like Disney was cannibalizing its own business but it only gets around 50% of theater takings whereas it keeps 100% of the Disney+ subscription revenue so there was method behind its madness.

At a starting price of $6.99 per year, subscriptions sold like hot cakes and Disney+ had 10 million sign-ups on its first day alone when it launched in November 2019. It far outstripped projections of 14.3 million by the end of the year and the trend continued in that direction. It hit 60 million subscribers after eight months and 100 million after 16 months which was more than Disney initially forecast to have within five years. Then came a disturbance in the force.

Cracks in Disney+ started to appear soon after the pandemic began receding. Disney's first major release was its Marvel movie Black Widow which had its release delayed by more than a year due to the pandemic. When the movie finally came out in July 2021, Disney took the controversial decision of releasing it simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ where subscribers could access it for a month at an additional charge of $29.99.

Black Widow's Disney+ debut drove fans away from cinemas

The National Association of Theatre Owners blasted the decision and blamed it for a 67% fall in box office receipts in the movie's second weekend, making it Marvel's worst performer in that period. It also infuriated the movie's leading lady Scarlett Johansson whose contract gave her a cut of the theater takings which were dented by the simultaneous streaming release. It led to Johansson suing Disney with sources telling The Wall Street Journal that she had lost more than $50 million because of Disney's release strategy.

Although the suit was eventually settled, it exposed the damage that streaming could do as it competes directly with movie theaters. In its rush to launch its own streamer, Disney principally had its eye on seizing 100% of the takings. It didn't bank on streaming generating blockbuster losses and jeopardizing theater sales thereby leaving it with less than it had before.

Instead of being satisfied with its spellbinding performance, Disney doubled down and commissioned dedicated Disney+ shows and movies, spending $33 billion on content in 2022 alone. Driven by ego in a bid to attract more subscribers than Netflix, Disney upped the ante and it didn't pay off.

Pretty much everything that could go wrong for Disney did go wrong. Taxes soared as governments sought to claw back the massive furlough payments made during the pandemic. At the same time, inflation surged due to the war in Ukraine and local factors such as Brexit in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, consumers were still wary of returning to cinemas due to the risk of catching covid. However, they weren't stuck indoors any more so they had less of a need for streaming subscriptions and less money to pay for them.

This perfect storm was magnified for Disney because its flagship Marvel franchise has an inter-connected storyline across more than 40 shows and movies. It means that if fans miss one of them they may be more reluctant to watch the next for fear that they won't understand it. This led to Disney having to put disclaimers at the start of some of the shows saying that prior knowledge was not required but of course by the time that was necessary, Marvel was fighting a losing battle.

The content deluge cost Disney dearly, both financially and in its quest to dethrone Netflix. The number of Disney+ subscribers has fallen from a high of 164.2 million in September 2022 to 149.6 million at the end of last year whereas Netflix has almost double that at 260 million. Meanwhile, Disney's streaming losses ballooned driving down its stock price by more than 40% from its peak of $201.91 in March 2021.

Disney+ subscribers peaked in Q4 2022

Chapek had already attempted to stem the red ink by launching a cheaper ad-supported Disney+ subscription tier and even offered subscribers discounts on hotels at Walt Disney World in Florida. It wasn't enough to save his job.

Earlier this week Iger revealed to business network CNBC that Disney didn't anticipate losing so much money on streaming. "We ended up losing a lot of money on that, more so than we expected initially. Part of that was because we were chasing sub growth and not as focused as we needed to be on the bottom line. I came back and the losses were around $4 billion a year. It was clear that that was not sustainable and not acceptable and the goal was first let's reduce those losses." It wasn't tough to see where to start.

As we revealed, Disney spent more than $500 million just on Marvel's Moon Knight , Secret Invasion and Loki Season 2 streaming series which were essentially given away free to Disney+ subscribers along with all the other content. It is a bone of contention which the actor Seth Rogen alluded to when he told Variety that he is "personally distressed by not having any sense of how successful these shows and movies we make for streaming services are."

Iger cut down the upcoming Disney+ content slate and, according to recent filings, he is targeting $4.5 billion of annualized entertainment cash content spend "primarily from slate / volume reductions and lower spend per title." He also put the emphasis back on exclusive theater releases to protect that lucrative revenue stream. Iger essentially undid the mess he created as a number of these costly streaming shows, such as Moon Knight , were given the green light under his watch. The cost cuts were followed by an even more drastic decision.

Series such as Moon Knight were expensive to make for Disney+

Bringing Disney full circle, Iger pulled content from Disney+ enabling it to be licensed to other platforms. The culled content even included the original series Willow which cost Disney more than $100 million to make as we revealed . Again, discussions about developing the series began under Iger's watch.

The Disney+ series Ms Marvel even ended up on Disney's own linear ABC network. In the third quarter of 2023 alone Disney recorded a $1.5 billion impairment charge for pulling the content. It doesn't get more ironic that the costly content which began development discussions under Iger was then pulled by him leading to a tremendous impairment charge.

Disney isn't the only studio which took this approach. Warner Bros. Discovery pioneered it by pulling dozens of titles from HBO Max for tax write-offs or to loan out to Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) services. Paramount Global followed suit while downsizing its Showtime platform. The studios realized that some titles are more valuable earning ad dollars on FAST platforms than they are sitting in a SVOD library.

Disney is still trying to find its feet with its streaming platform and just last month began offering Hulu through Disney+. Iger told CNBC this week that there are more developments to come.

"We need the technological tools to lower churn and create more stickiness. It's things like recommendation engines, getting to know our customers better. We need to reduce the cost of marketing. We need to reduce the cost of customer acquisition to get the margins up.

"Obviously, I think we have to program more smartly, particularly outside the United States, which is to pick the markets where we could really move the needle and program with really strong local programming. We have had some success there. We need more success.

"Password sharing is something else. In June we will be launching our first real foray into password sharing. Just a few countries and a few markets but then it will grow significantly with a full rollout in September."

It has already had a magic touch as Disney's DTC division improved its operating income by 86% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024 with filings adding that it is "aiming to deliver double digit profit margins in the future."

That is only part of the picture though as Disney still needs to recoup the $11.4 billion of accumulated losses generated by the platform so far. Netflix reached profitability in 2016 and had a 21% operating income margin in 2023. Assuming that Disney+ hits a similar level from the start of next year - and there is no guarantee of that as Iger told CNBC he expects double digit profit margins "eventually" - it could still take more than three years for the platform to clear its accrued losses.

Disney+ has generated average annual revenue of $17.1 billion so far, though this could decrease as although its top line has been growing, it has been driven by a torrent of new content which is slowing down under Iger. A 21% margin would yield annual operating profits of $3.6 billion bringing Disney+ close to break even in three years.

Meanwhile, Netflix seems set to generate even more profits and this highlights an inherent difference between the two platforms which is at the heart of the flaw with the Disney+ business model.

Netflix mitigated risk in two key ways. Firstly, in its early days it focused on licensing series made other studios which is obviously considerably cheaper than producing them internally. This also enabled it to decide not to renew them for a second series if the shows didn't attract enough viewers in their first run.

Secondly, and crucially, in its early days Netflix wasn't a studio so it wasn't creating content for release in theaters and therefore wasn't competing with its own clients.

Things have changed since then as Netflix' massive profits have enabled it to create its own content and take more risks by streaming movies which may or may not be successful. Disney acted like it too was in this dominant position right off the bat.

The flaw in the Disney+ business model is quite simple – the production of exclusive streaming content. No matter how much it costs to produce, exclusive streaming content is a gamble because Disney incurs the expense in advance so it is too late to avoid it if the content bombs. What's more, as with all streaming content, it isn't possible to attribute subscriber fees to specific content making it tough to calculate return on investment. That's not all because if the content is pulled Disney also incurs an impairment charge.

In contrast, if studios only put content on their streaming platforms which has already played theatrically or has already been broadcast on television it would be a whole new world.

That way the studios would not be competing with their key clients as theaters would get new movies first. Studios would get their 50% slice of ticket sales and could therefore attribute revenue to each production as usual. There would also be no risk of studios paying for costly productions which don't pay off.

That's not to say that Disney shouldn't produce exclusive streaming shows. It should but they should be sold to dedicated streaming platforms like Netflix so that they directly generate revenue for Disney. Conversely, this would enable Netflix to continue managing its budgets. If the audience of the shows declines, the streamer would not need to renew them for another season.

If Disney had taken this kind of approach at the outset it could have enjoyed all the benefits of its streaming platform and it may have never made a loss. Its dedicated Disney+ content costs would be zero and before any exclusive shows got the green light they would have revenue booked against them from the streamers that commissioned them, just like Disney's original four Marvel shows had from Netflix.

It's important to note that Disney is far from the only studio that fell foul of this by producing exclusive content for its streaming platform. However, Disney took the biggest risks because of the staggering sums it spent. Crucially, it did so despite knowing that it couldn't attribute specific subscription revenue to the content it created. At the same time, Disney+ was competing at a bargain basement price point with theaters which are amongst its parent's biggest clients.

Netflix faced none of these hurdles but this didn't stop studios from trying to take it on directly as they were so blinded by a desire to beat it. To coin a phrase from Jeff Goldblum's Ian Malcolm character in Jurassic Park , the studios were so preoccupied with whether or not they could take on Netflix directly, they didn't stop to think if they should.

It appears that despite burning up more than $11 billion of losses on Disney+, the Mouse still hasn't learned its lesson. In his recent CNBC interview, Iger said "Netflix is the gold standard in streaming and they have done a phenomenal job in a lot of different directions. I actually have very, very high regard for what they have accomplished. If we could only accomplish what they have accomplished that would be great."

Now, more than ever, what Disney needs in order to succeed in the streaming marketplace is some of its famous creativity rather than continuing a cat and mouse game with Netflix which has cost it dearly.

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Total solar eclipse 2024

By Ashley Strickland , Elise Hammond , Maureen Chowdhury , Antoinette Radford, Eric Zerkel and Aditi Sangal , CNN

In pictures: Watching the solar eclipse across North America

From CNN Digital’s Photo Team

Click here for more spectacular photos from today's eclipse.

Why eclipses create a "beautiful coincidence" on Earth

From CNN's Ashley Strickland

Americans are a little spoiled when it comes to eclipses. After all, we just experienced one that the majority of the country got to see, and it comes on the heels of the "Great American Eclipse" that tracked from Oregon to South Carolina in 2017.

But that doesn't often happen. And it won't again until the 2040s.

On average, an eclipse occurs in the same place every 375 years, said Dr. John Mulchaey, Carnegie Institution for Science’s deputy for science and the director and Crawford H. Greenewalt Chair of the Carnegie Observatories.

And we’re living at the right time to truly enjoy the sight of a total eclipse on Earth, he said.

While eclipses occur throughout the solar system, none are exactly like the ones experienced in our world.

The moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, but the moon is also about 400 times closer to Earth than the sun is, creating a “beautiful coincidence” that results in eclipses when the three celestial bodies align, Mulchaey said.

This alignment is called syzygy, or when three objects line up in space.

In the distant past, the moon was much closer to Earth, which means totality likely didn’t appear as it does now. And within another 60 million years or so, the moon will be so far away that it will never cover the sun, making this a rare moment in time, Mulchaey said.

The long history of myths and folklore inspired by eclipses

From CNN's Ashley Strickland and Terry Ward

Eclipses have long inspired terror and awe as ancient cultures sought ways to explain the celestial phenomenon .

“I find the mythology and folklore of eclipses fascinating,” said Mark Littman, a journalism professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and coauthor of “ Totality: The Great North American Eclipse of 2024 .”

“To see how people long ago and people today reacted to a total eclipse of the Sun, a sight so unexpected, so dramatic, so surprising in appearance, and so unnatural even though it is utterly natural.”

Ancient records of eclipses date back to 772 BC, when the Chinese marked them on animal bones, and 750 BC, when Babylonians recorded eclipses in their cuneiform writing on clay tablets, Littmann said. Both cultures "realized there was a rhythm to eclipses," which meant they could be calculated and predicted in the future.

Despite the ability to predict eclipses, the cause of the eclipse remained unknown, so myths and folklore filled the knowledge gap.

"The mythology of eclipses most often involves a beast that tries to eat the sun for lunch. For the Chinese, that beast was a dragon or a dog. For Scandinavians, it was a wolf," Littmann said.

Those in northern South America thought the sun and moon fought one another, trying to shut off each other's light, he said.

Transylvanian folklore suggested that the sun looked down on Earth, saw the corruption of humans, and turned away in disgust.

And the Fon people of western Africa thought the male sun ruled the day, while the female moon ruled the night.

"They love each other, but they are so busy traversing the sky and providing light that they seldom get together," Littmann said. "Yet when they do, they modestly turn off the light."

Eclipses provide unique opportunities for NASA scientists to learn more about the future of the sun

From CNN's Elise Hammond

NASA scientists took full advantage of Monday’s eclipse to collect data and study the Earth, moon and sun in different ways, the agency’s deputy administrator said. One area of specific interest is the sun’s corona , or outer atmosphere.

“This is a very elusive region and it can be viewed during a solar eclipse in a very special way,” Pam Melroy said during a news conference at the end of March .

She said understanding the corona is “key to understanding fundamental questions about how heat and energy are transferred out into the solar wind,” which contributes to how solar wind and flares impacts Earth.

“Things are happening with the corona (that) we don’t fully understand and the eclipse gives us a unique opportunity to collect data that may give insights into the future of our star,” Melroy said.

And this is an especially good year to study the corona, she said. The sun is approaching  solar maximum — the peak of activity — later this year, and scientists are eager to capture this moment through a variety of observations that can only occur during eclipses. During solar maximum, the sun’s magnetic poles flip and then the sun will grow quiet again during a solar minimum.

“The chance that we are going to see something amazing is very high,” Melroy said.

Former NASA astronaut says she hopes eclipse sparks sense of connectedness with the universe

A former NASA astronaut said she hopes Monday’s total solar eclipse inspires a connection between everyone who witnessed it and the universe.

“We’re all part of this universe – and the universe was showing us some of its secrets at that point in time,” Mae Jemison told CNN.

While viewing totality in Bloomington, Indiana, the former astronaut said she was thinking about other times she experienced eclipses. 

When she saw a partial eclipse as a child in Chicago, Jemison said she was trying to make sense of what was happening.

But then thinking about her time as an astronaut, “it reinforced the feeling that when I look up, when I look away from the Earth when I was in space, it again connects me with this world, with this universe – and know that I have a responsibility.”

Jemison said science is about building on knowledge for the next generation, and the eclipse was an opportunity to do just that. Scientists used Monday’s eclipse to gather data to better understand the sun but Jemison said she hopes there is also learning at a personal level.

“I hope what people discover is themselves and their connectedness to the rest of the universe,” she said.

Eclipse Explained: Is there anywhere that saw totality in both 2017 and 2024? 

Yes! There is an area where both 2017 and 2024 paths of totality intersect. According to a map from NASA , that area includes parts of Missouri, southern Illinois and western Kentucky.

One of the places in that intersection, Carbondale, Illinois, experienced the longest period of totality in 2017 at 2 minutes, 42 seconds, according to NASA. 

Seeing the eclipse again more than 20 years later

From CNN's Christina Zdanowicz

Juan M. Soto Peña and his wife experienced the joy of a total solar eclipse alongside their daughter, Luciana, in Tucson, Arizona.

The couple saw a partial solar eclipse together on December 25, 2000, in the state of Sonora in Mexico, he said.

Worried about eye damage? Here are the signs you should visit an optometrist after the eclipse

Maybe your eclipse glasses were fake. Perhaps you forgot to slip them back on as the first bit of sunlight reappeared after totality. Or you noticed your child, friend or family member looking up at the sun without putting on their glasses.

Symptoms of eye damage after improperly viewing the eclipse without proper protection can take hours or days to manifest. They include loss of central vision, altered color vision or distorted vision .

And if you notice any symptoms or experience eye discomfort, make an appointment immediately using the American Optometric Association's doctor locator , said Ronald Benner, an optometrist and president of the American Optometric Association.

“For most people, it’s an alteration of color vision,” Benner said. “The next morning, colors just don’t look right, or it may be bleached out it or just kind of hazy all the time. For others, it may be that they actually have holes in their vision.”

If the damage occurs in the center of someone’s vision, it can affect the ability to read or recognize faces, Benner said.

Here's what the eclipse looked like from the International Space Station

From CNN's Taylor Nicioli

From space, crew members at the International Space Station saw a different perspective of the celestial event — the moon’s shadow cast onto Earth.

The orbiting laboratory "soared into the moon’s shadow" and NASA Flight Engineers Matthew Dominick and Jeanette Epps got a chance to capture it following their “workday filled with cargo transfers, spacesuit maintenance, and microgravity research,” according to a statement from NASA . The astronauts took pictures and videos of the shadow of the moon as seen from their position about 260 miles above southeastern Canada. 

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What to Know About Biden’s New Student Debt Relief Plan

The proposal would affect nearly 30 million people and would target groups that have had hardships in repaying their loans.

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Biden Announces New Plan for Student Debt Relief

President biden announced a large-scale effort to help pay off federal student loans for more than 20 million borrowers..

Today, I’m proud to announce five major actions to continue to relieve student debt for more than 30 million Americans since I started my administration. And starting this fall, we plan to deliver up to $20,000 in interest relief to over 20 million borrowers and full forgiveness for millions more. [applause] I will never stop to deliver student debt relief and hardworking Americans. And it’s only in the interest of America that we do it. And again, it’s for the good of our economy that’s growing stronger and stronger, and it is, by freeing millions of Americans from this crushing debt of student debt. It means they can finally get on with their lives instead of being put — their lives being put on hold.

By Erica L. Green

Reporting from Washington

President Biden released details on Monday of his new student loan debt forgiveness plan for nearly 30 million borrowers.

The proposal still needs to be finalized and will have to withstand expected legal challenges, like the ones that doomed Mr. Biden’s first attempt to wipe out student debt on a large scale last year.

Biden administration officials said they could begin handing out some of the debt relief — including the canceling of up to $20,000 in interest — as soon as this fall if the new effort moves forward after the required, monthslong comment period.

Here’s what is known so far about the program:

Who would benefit from the new plan?

The plan would reduce payments for 25 million borrowers and erase all debt for more than four million Americans. Altogether, 10 million borrowers would see debt relief of $5,000 or more, officials said.

The groups affected include:

— Borrowers whose loan balances have ballooned because of interest would have up to $20,000 of their interest balance canceled. The plan would waive the entire interest balance for borrowers considered “low- and middle-income” who are enrolled in the administration’s income-driven repayment plans.

The interest forgiveness would be a one-time benefit, but would be the largest relief valve in the plan. The administration estimates that of the 25 million borrowers that could see relief under this waiver, 23 million would see their entire interest balance wiped out.

— Borrowers who are eligible for, but have not yet applied for, loan forgiveness under existing programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or the administration’s new repayment program, called SAVE, would have their debts automatically canceled.

— Borrowers with undergraduate student debt who started repaying their loans more than 20 years ago, and graduate students who started paying their debt 25 or more years ago, would have their debts canceled.

— Borrowers who enrolled in programs or colleges that lost federal funding because they cheated or defrauded students would have their debts waived. Students who attended institutions or programs that left them with mounds of debt but bleak earning or job prospects would also be eligible for relief.

— Borrowers who are experiencing “hardship” paying back their loans because of medical or child care costs would also be eligible for some type of relief. The administration has not yet determined how these borrowers would be identified, but is considering automatic forgiveness for those at risk of defaulting.

How is this different from the last plan?

Mr. Biden initially tried to grant $400 billion in debt relief for 40 million borrowers by using the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, or HEROES Act, which the administration argued allowed the government to waive student debt during a national emergency like the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court blocked that move , saying that Mr. Biden had exceeded his authority.

The new plan would forgive some or all loan debt for nearly 30 million borrowers under the Higher Education Act, the federal law that regulates student loan and grant programs. By targeting specific groups of borrowers — instead of offering broad loan forgiveness — the administration believes it can act within the narrower confines of that law.

The Biden administration said lawyers for the White House and the Education Department studied last year’s Supreme Court ruling and designed the new program to make sure it did not violate the principles laid out by the justices.

Still, there could be questions about whether the borrowers under the latest plan would be considered “limited,” as the Supreme Court said the Higher Education Act requires, or whether the administration again overstepped its authority.

What’s the timeline?

The new plan still needs to be published in the Federal Register, which then will start a monthslong public comment period. Administration officials have said they hoped some of the provisions would begin going into effect in “early fall.”

That could leave the debt relief plan unresolved as voters go to the polls in November to choose between Mr. Biden and former President Donald J. Trump.

But Biden campaign officials hope the latest effort will help rally voters who were sorely disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision last year.

Erica L. Green is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Erica L. Green

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

Days after saying that abortion policies should be left to the states , Donald Trump criticized an Arizona court ruling for upholding an 1864 law that banned nearly all abortions and said that he would not sign a national ban if elected .

A closely watched measure of inflation remained stronger than expected in March , dealing a political blow to President Biden , who has been banking on cooling inflation to lift his re-election prospects.

Trump once again criticized Jews who back Democratic candidates , saying that “any Jewish person that votes for a Democrat or votes for Biden should have their head examined.”

Trump’s penchant for bending the truth has been well documented, but a close study of how he does so reveals a kind of technique to his dishonesty .

Primaries in three Mid-Atlantic House districts will test whether the battle cry of “save democracy” will be enough  even for Democratic voters who have many other concerns.

In Arizona’s crucial Senate race, Ruben Gallego, who has long embraced his progressive background, is striking a moderate tone .

Allies of Trump are discussing ways to elevate third-party candidates  in battleground states to divert votes away from Biden.