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What Questions Would You Ask When...

by Mark Andrews Banned
8 replies
What questions would you ask when meeting an offline business owner for the first time?

In 5 hours time I've got a meeting set up with a local entrepreneur, a business owner who employs quite a few people. I've already got a load of questions written down to run past him... but it never harms to ask others what questions they might ask too on a first meeting.

Over to you guys, what questions would you ask on a first meeting?

This is to assist him with his offline marketing btw.

More suggestions are welcome down below, if you would be so kind...
#questions
  • Profile picture of the author MoneyMagnetMagnate
    Have you had a look at John Spangler's (jobless dad) interview list? It might be good for a few ideas...
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  • Profile picture of the author JSanti7
    I think it would be important to know his plans for his business in the short, medium and long terms...
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  • Profile picture of the author Not So New
    Hey Mark,

    Try to get him talking about his business (people love talking about themselves and their business) then he should reveal what's his biggest concerns, frustrations etc...

    Provide the solution and you should be golden

    Shawn
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    • Profile picture of the author dtaylor
      It is a big help to do a few Google searches on his niche to find out where he is in the serps and if he has even claimed his Places page. Print out a screen shot so he knows you have done some homework.

      The same with his website, if he has one. If he does, does it serve as an information resource for people that are his prospects? Does it capture information so he can know their interests and follow-up with them?

      If he knows you are already informed and interested in his business he will open up to you a lot quicker.

      Good Luck,
      DTaylor
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  • Profile picture of the author danielkanuck
    1) So what kind of business do you have?
    2) How are you currently marketing your business now?
    3) What is your advertising budget?
    4) What is your average cost per sale?
    5) What is the lifetime average value of a customer?
    6) Have you considered internet marketing?
    7) What is your biggest marketing hurdle?
    8) Have you ever hired a marketing agency? How did that turn out?
    9) Who's your ideal prospect?
    10) In what ways have you gone about reaching these ideal prospects?
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  • Profile picture of the author RySpencer
    Whats his target audience?
    What has he tried in the past, what worked what didnt?
    Can I get a free sample?
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

      As it happens something came up with necessitated canceling the appointment for a reschedule to next week. Client was fine with this on the phone, some things are just unavoidable. (Family matters)

      I actually wrote out dozens of questions last night not long after posting this thread up. Got them all printed out now.

      Many thanks for your help everyone, as always - much appreciated.

      Kindest regards,


      Mark Andrews...
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  • Profile picture of the author kiteg2
    Hey Mark,
    something that everyone seems to forget, you can only charge more for value adding.

    As a business person, if someone came to me with a good value add instead of trying to take services away, I would welcome them.

    Lots of good feedback here, Good luck let us know how it goes.
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