How to appear professional during a meeting with a client?
A client meeting is a scheduled meeting between a business representative and the potential client. It is meant to promote collaboration and communication between two parties. Organizing a client meeting allows one to gain a clear understanding of the client’s needs and decide on how to offer them best support.
Different types of client meetings
There are four basic types of client meetings: introductory meeting, consultation, proposal meeting, and check-in meeting. Each type has a different purpose and takes a different course.
Introductory meeting
An introductory meeting opens the talks with the client and is the beginning of the relationship between two parties. For the business representative it is the chance to make a good impression, while for the client it is an opportunity to make a choice regarding future collaboration.
Consultation
Consultation gives the business representative an opportunity to better explain offered services and encourage the client to make a deal. It is also a moment for both parties to understand each other’s perspectives.
Proposal meeting
During a proposal meeting the business representative presents the client with formal documentation. It is the moment when the client can review the final offer and decide whether they want to enter into a formal agreement with the service provider.
Check-in meeting
Check-in meetings are held after the agreement was formalized in order to make sure everything is going according to the plan. They also give both parties the opportunity to share thoughts, ask additional questions, and provide feedback.
Where to hold a meeting with a client?
Meetings with clients can be held in various locations. They often take place in the seller’s or the client’s office. Other viable locations consist of coffee shops, restaurants, and a client’s home.
What to take to a client meeting to appear professional?
In order to appear professional, it is necessary to take to a client meeting such accessories as custom clipboards and, if necessary for the purposes of presentation, custom folders and binders.
Custom clipboards
Custom clipboards with a company logo are a must-have on a client meeting. It is a very useful item that can make work easier during the presentation of an offer. It is also very practical in situations calling for a rigid base for writing on the go. High-end custom clipboards available on the market come in different dimensions – A4 and A5 – as well as different shapes – they can be single or in the form of a folder.
Custom folders and binders
Customized folders and binders with a company logo allow packing documents, brochures, fliers, and other promotional documents in a safe manner. They may come with a handle for more comfortable transport of advertising materials.
During a client meeting business representatives should also have company-issued business cards. They allow for a professional introduction and are an effective tool to establish credibility.
How to behave during a meeting to make a good impression on a client?
According to studies it takes only five seconds to make a first impression, and it can take as much as eight positive experiences to reverse it, if it was a bad one. That is why it is so important to arrive at the client meeting well-prepared and behave appropriately. First of all, it is not advisable to jump right into business. The meeting should start slow, with the exchange of pleasantries. It is important for the business representative to establish personal rapport with the client and show themselves as an ally. Other vital things to remember during a client meeting are a genuine smile, and a clean, professional attire.
