Tips Small Business Owners Can Use to Turn Prospects into Clients
Meeting new clients for the first time can be nerve-wracking. You want everything to go smoothly, from the initial greeting all the way through the show-stopping presentation that convinces them they have to partner with you and your company.
There’s a lot that goes into these types of meetings, whether you’re meeting in-person or virtually. Regardless of how the first big meeting is conducted, here’s how to project professionalism and make a great first impression with potential clients.
Remember: Clients form opinions long before they meet you
The first in-person meeting with a prospective client isn’t the only event that matters. Prospects develop their opinions about you and your business from the very beginning. If those impressions aren’t positive, there won’t be a first meeting to worry about.
You can lay the groundwork for a positive client relationship by:
- Responding to inquiries and emails as quickly as possible.
- Asking thoughtful, relevant questions to make sure they’re a good fit as a client.
- Establishing personal connections by learning about your prospect’s hobbies and interests.
- Being punctual to all meetings and appointments.
Some of these tips might sound like common sense, but it’s all-too-easy to neglect smaller details while you’re busy running a company. These small signs of respect can go a long way toward earning a new client’s business.
Get extra assistance if you need it
You know that it’s important to respond quickly to emails and calls from prospective clients, but sometimes it’s just not possible to find time in an already busy day.
If it feels impossible to keep up with client communication, consider bringing in some outside help to keep everything on track. A virtual assistant is an affordable, flexible resource you can depend on to take calls, provide excellent customer service, schedule appointments and so much more.
Prospects will be impressed with your company’s personalized service and quick communication, and they’ll be far more likely to become loyal customers.
Stop meeting at your home office and coffee shops
You should never meet clients at your home. Coffee shops and other public venues are slightly more professional options, but they’re still far from ideal.
For starters, these gathering places can be noisy and crowded. You also have little control over vital things like the internet connection. If you have a presentation to deliver, things get even trickier without the right tools and equipment.
To impress new clients, rent a meeting or conference room
Renting a meeting or conference room by the hour (or longer, if needed) is one of the most cost-effective ways to showcase professionalism without breaking the bank. These rooms are helpful for entrepreneurs and small business owners without dedicated office spaces, but they’re also ideal for traveling professionals or anyone who simply needs more space to meet.
Here’s how meeting and conference room rentals work at Intelligent Office (IO) locations:
- Your client will be greeted in the building’s well-appointed lobby.
- One of our friendly receptionists will then take your guest to the meeting room and offer refreshments.
- Inside the comfortable meeting room, you’ll have access to a whiteboard, projector and everything else needed to confidently deliver your presentation.
If you’re convinced that a professional space can help you knock your next new client meeting out of the park, click here to find an IO location in your city.
