When you are meeting a potential new client, it’s often very exciting and you may be over eager to book their event. Before you step into a consultation, take a few moments to breathe and relax so that you appear confidant and ready.
Here are a few mistakes to avoid during the consultation:
1) Negotiate your price too soon
Whether you negotiate your prices or not is up to you, however do not start lowering your prices before the client asks. Be confidant in your pricing and what you have to offer.
2) Talking too much
Listen to your clients and ask many questions. They should be talking more than you do during a consultation.
3) Making assumptions
It’s easy to judge a client’s budget or style as soon as you meet but you just never know. A simply dressed client may want a very high budget event or a very well styled professional client may have a minimal budget. It’s important to keep a completely open mind during the consultation.
Have you made mistakes during the consultation process or can you add to this list? Please share in the comments!
[…] I describe all the things they can expect by hiring me and then I confidently tell them my fee. I do not linger on cost though, I immediately launch into other topics. At the end of the conversation I flat-out ask if they […]
Debbie, what a fabulous website you have here. I have been working in the Wedding industry for up to 4 years and I assure you that I have yet to bump into a website providing such an easy resource of information.
Thank you for your comment Donna. You can simply ask her in the meeting about budget. She may be more comfortable giving you a range instead of a specific number. Or she may not know the budget yet and may need your help figuring it out.
Hi ! I am new at Planners Lounge and I have noticed a great deal of valuable lessons within this forum. When I came across this one, I said to myself I have GOT to include my comments particularly since this topic seems to be the biggest barrier for me. Example; I would meet with my client, listen to their ideas, etc. everything seems to go smoothly.
Then BAM !! – when they express that they would like to hire me, they would also add “But first, let me check with my fiance” or can I think about it some more, then I never hear back.
My question is: What is the most effective way to attract clients? I have both a Facebook and Twitter account. I would welcome your suggestions.
Thank you for your comment La-Tonya. There are so many ideas and marketing opportunities out there but it really depends on your brand and your market to decide what would work best. You may want to consider a private coaching session so that I can evaluate what you are doing and where to go next including how to get more leads and convert those to paying clients. Thank you for being part of the community here and feel free to contact me if you would like more personal guidance to grow your business!
Simple & to the point! This is such excellent advice that is so easy to follow. Thanks for sharing! It’s really common sense, but some of these things are hard for everyone to do.
[…] Mistakes to Avoid During Consultations […]
[…] I describe all the things they can expect by hiring me and then I confidently tell them my fee. I do not linger on cost though, I immediately launch into other topics. At the end of the conversation I flat-out ask if they […]
[…] you are hired, but don’t be afraid to share ideas and show your knowledge. There are also a few mistakes to avoid that will help […]
I really liked this! I always ask about feedback. Where they use me or not, I would like to know.
Thanks for the comment Jeff!
Great stuff here! I once made Mistake #1- it was a lesson I’d like to never repeat!
Thanks for sharing Valerie. So glad we both learn from our mistakes!
Thanks a lot….I am grateful to be part of this community and the great advice.
Thank you Maureen and welcome!
Hello to all the lovely fellow planners,
Debbie, what a fabulous website you have here. I have been working in the Wedding industry for up to 4 years and I assure you that I have yet to bump into a website providing such an easy resource of information.
LOVE it! Thanks so much!
Natazia
Thanks Natazia and welcome!!
Good information. I’m meeting with clients on Monday, she has not giving me a buget. What should I do about that?
Thanks great joing the conversation
Thank you for your comment Donna. You can simply ask her in the meeting about budget. She may be more comfortable giving you a range instead of a specific number. Or she may not know the budget yet and may need your help figuring it out.
Great article Debbie. I am guilty of all these mistakes. Thank you for your guidance to have more successdul consultations, we appreciate it!
You are welcome Mandi! Thanks for being part of the community here!
Hi ! I am new at Planners Lounge and I have noticed a great deal of valuable lessons within this forum. When I came across this one, I said to myself I have GOT to include my comments particularly since this topic seems to be the biggest barrier for me. Example; I would meet with my client, listen to their ideas, etc. everything seems to go smoothly.
Then BAM !! – when they express that they would like to hire me, they would also add “But first, let me check with my fiance” or can I think about it some more, then I never hear back.
My question is: What is the most effective way to attract clients? I have both a Facebook and Twitter account. I would welcome your suggestions.
Thank you for your comment La-Tonya. There are so many ideas and marketing opportunities out there but it really depends on your brand and your market to decide what would work best. You may want to consider a private coaching session so that I can evaluate what you are doing and where to go next including how to get more leads and convert those to paying clients. Thank you for being part of the community here and feel free to contact me if you would like more personal guidance to grow your business!
Great post Debbie! Going to a consult tonight and I’ll keep this in mind!
Thanks Sarah! Good luck tonight!
Simple & to the point! This is such excellent advice that is so easy to follow. Thanks for sharing! It’s really common sense, but some of these things are hard for everyone to do.
Thank you for the comment Maria!