Sell your Services - Step by Step

6. Prepare for the Meeting

Well done! You've just landed your first consultation. Now you need to prepare yourself for the all-important meeting. You'll need to take on the role of an expert in your field. Don't just think 'Sure, I'm an expert' -- be an expert. If you don't have self confidence, the prospective client won't have faith in you either. Look and feel confident -- you can, and will, build a great Website for this client ... you will knock his socks off!

Create a Mockup

Use all the ideas that you mapped out earlier to create a mockup or sample Website in Photoshop. To create a professional presentation of your mockup:

1. Take a screen shot of your browser.
2. Bring this image into Photoshop and save file.
3. Layout all design elements into layers for the home page of the site.
4. Go to your local service bureau to print out 2 copies of each design, one for you, and one for the prospective client.
5. Go to a business supply store and buy black board, a portfolio case big enough to hold several black boards, a utility knife, an Exacto knife, spray adhesive, labels, and a straight ruler.
6. Use an Exacto knife and straight ruler to cut off excess paper. Measure the width and length of the printout. Cut the black board to be about 4 inches taller and wider than the printout. Spray the back of the printout lightly with spray adhesive. Now carefully place one corner onto the black board, about 2 inches from the top and 2 inches from the left of the board. Then pull printout taut from the bottom right as you slowly press down the paper from the upper left -- this will keep the printout from bubbling. There should now be 2 inches of blackboard framing each side of the printout.
7. Place a label on the back of black board with copyright information, your logo, and a space for the client to sign off.

Concept Chart

Organize your thoughts on the project by creating an concept chart. This way you can show the client the rough ideas you have for their site.

Take a blank piece of paper and write down a word or two that match the subject of your previous notes on the client's site. Branch out with lines to related topics. Make sure that all navigational routes have been mapped out. After you have completed this process, I suggest you take it into Freehand or Illustrator and clean it up. You should also place this on blackboard the way you did your site mockups. Once you've completed this step and typed out any further notes on the job, you're ready for your presentation.

7. Meet The Client

It's true what they say about first impressions, they do last. "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," or so the saying goes. Follow the points below, and you should be fine.

1. Always address the client formally (Mr., Mrs., Dr.) until they say you can do otherwise.
2. Keep all materials that belong with this project together. For me, it works best to keep all materials in a huge envelope (and I mean huge). Try to find envelopes that are big enough to hold a few binders in them.
3. You must rehearse first. If you mess up a presentation, there's no turning back. Why would a client want to hire a freelancer who can't even explain in a clear manner how he or she is going to make the business money? Rehearse! Rehearse! Rehearse! If you like, use images to help you through the presentation -- it's often much easier to talk when the client isn't staring directly at you.
4. When speaking to a client, try to weed out the "Ums". This is hard to do, but with a little practice, you will succeed! We usually say "Um" while we're thinking of something else to say -- too many "Ums", and your client might think that you're not a clear thinker. Instead of ums, say nothing. Digest the client's question, formulate your response, and say it. It's that simple.
5. After the meeting, send a "thank-you" note to the client through regular mail. This is a good way to set yourself apart from all the other freelancers. All you need to do is to thank the client for either considering or accepting you for the job (depending on whether you have already been given the job or not).
6. Don't answer the phone if you aren't ready to talk. It is better to have a good, intelligent conversation with a client at a time that's convenient for both of you, than to have an awful conversation with him at a time that's convenient for him but not for you. Also, get a second phone line if you have kids -- you don't want to sound like a stay-at-home mom or dad when you're talking to a client. Professionalism is critical.
7. Dress for the occasion. Brush your hair. Wear a suit or corporate casual if you're told to do so. Never wear jeans or casual clothes. To be seen as a professional, you must dress like one.
8. Be on time, never late. If you're late to the first meeting, the client will wonder how late you're going to be with their project?
9. Bring all presentation materials that you need, including paper, pen, projector and slides (if needed), and portfolio.
10. Look the client directly in the eye and state your name and the purpose of your visit clearly. Shake hands firmly -- a limp hand is generally seen to suggest that you're not confident. Show these clients that you have what it takes to make their project a success.
11. Don't sit until a chair is offered to you, and don't sit before the client does.
12. Make sure your client has your business card.