New business meetings can give a headache even to the most experienced managers. No one can guarantee that you`ll get exactly what you wanted from that meeting. Luckily, there are different ways to approach new clients which can help you make the most of it. Everything will be much easier if you come prepared and if you know what to expect. What can you do to get the best possible results?
Study your clients
If you want to achieve your goals, perhaps it is the right time to ‘go back to school’. You`ll get a better grade if you learn your material carefully, and by ‘material’ new mean pretty much anything you can find about your clients in advance. Check their websites and social network profiles, browse for information online or call them if you have any doubts.
Let them know what to expect
You will be surprised just how many question young freelancers are ready to ask. In order to save some of your and their precious time, you should let them know what your presentation will include before you start. Try thinking about what you would ask your potential manager and try to answer these questions in your presentation. Try not to read your speech but rather memorize most of it, use cards and speak clearly.
Provide a place for a meeting
If you have a well-developed business and a nice and comfortable office, you could arrange the meeting with potential clients there. It will be easier for you to give a small presentation in familiar surroundings. However, if you are a freelancer with a small home office and your potential client is small as well, it would be wise to meet in a quiet café that has a good internet connection. This way, they will feel more relaxed – they can order something to drink while the meeting is in progress. However, if there are more people involved, consider renting a meeting room.
Meet technical requirements
Bring everything you are going to need with you –a laptop (don’t forget the charger) with already installed applications (Powerpoint or Prezi). If your presentation will be seen by many people, bring the projector too, so everyone can see it clearly. Don’t forget to provide blank paper and pens for everyone. If you want to give the impression of a true professional, you can go one step further and prepare folders with brochures and samples of your work for everyone.
Pay attention
Listen what your clients have to say. The meeting is not just a one-way street. You are not supposed to just recite a previously prepared speech, but begin by giving a few initial ideas and later on you can slowly start building up proposals. In the meantime, you will get to know your client better and understand their needs and wishes.
Finish the meeting but don’t stop here
When it is all over, thank everyone for their attention, but don’t let them leave before you find out whether they are interested or not. You don’t want to be too pushy, but you don’t want to be shy either. It is good to know whether you were successful or not. Make a few contacts, and call after a few days to see where you stand.