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Do you use a your own laptop or the client's computer and internet when presenting?

by Ragz
22 replies
When approaching offline businesses, do you have a 3G laptop that you go into businesses with to show them internet websites, search examples, videos, or whatever?

Or do you ask to use their internet on their computer?

Or do you have a tablet PC or smartphone with a nice screen?

Or do you simply have a binder with photos of screenshots?

I've been going in with a netbook with 3G internet and it always isn't that reliable. Some days stellar, other days it's kinda embarassing waiting on pages, sites, and videos to load.

When showing YouTube videos that I've created, I've learned to save videos on the hard drive and have that as a handy back-up that I'll use "to save download time"....

I remember reading where someone else was just using a portable DVD player to show off completed videos. May consider that route as well, but I like being able to show stuff "live" on the net.

Anyone have other reliable methods?
#client #computer #internet #laptop #presenting
  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    I personally use a mobile and my account to show the client their mobile site,. When I come back to do their main site I use their computer.

    Quentin
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  • Profile picture of the author rolltide
    Quentin-what price are you charging for mobile sites?
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    I would be using a "pitch book" that contains your photos, etc. etc.

    Go in with your kit but I always get the owners to let me use their
    computers to show them what I am wanting to talk about.

    They will know beyond a doubt that nothing funny is going on. hehe

    This also is very powerful when it comes time to ask for the business
    and close the deal.
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  • Profile picture of the author Drakuul
    I create videos, so I always have my laptop (but I prefer using THEIR's as it kinda shifts whatever glitches or slow connection to their side, where THEY feel a need to impress) and say that I have something to show them but in one sentence I'll ask if I can show them on their computer instead since my wireless is kinda slow today...
    Usually, usually, usually, they are quite accomodating.
    Then I just go from there, whatever their response.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trapped
    Its an interesting question, ironically it made me laugh and think of a paragon ... "do you go in war with your own weapons, or you take your enemies weapons and show them your power?"

    Jokes aside, it is always better to have your own laptop for several reasons, some are;
    • You have a presentation prepared, spell checked, double checked and triple checked
    • You don't have to waste time to get your presentation started, you know where you have saved it and you know where to click
    • You don't have to face that "blank look" from "potential" clients when you ask them "May I use your computer to show you this amazing stuff?"
    It is not much a question of a "professionalism" even tho it is in some how, it is more about "do not waste your clients time or distract him with things that you could resolve before hand and keep them focused on your real offer". It's just my thought...and how I would do it, or how I would like someone that is presenting me an offer to act.
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      I don't "approach" offline businesses. I meet them usually in networking situations or in conventions and seminars. Just give them a quick demo on my wifi-enabled mobile and often close the deal for mobile marketing right then and there. The other leads just get distributed to my sales people who do followup demos with their mobiles. Using computers or even laptops is old school now.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alfred Shelver
    I use a 3G USB modem and my Laptop because I have SEO plugins that I use to show rankings etc. It has usually been pretty decent.
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  • Profile picture of the author MsMotivation1
    I take my own laptop just in case they don't have a computer accessible.

    If they do, I usually use theirs... they seem more comfortable that way.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
      Exactly, its a trust thing.

      Originally Posted by MsMotivation1 View Post

      I take my own laptop just in case they don't have a computer accessible.

      If they do, I usually use theirs... they seem more comfortable that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author cbest
    Some clients such as Dr's, lawyers..etc you're not going to get on their computer, and on your own system whether mobile or laptop you can have things set-up so your presentation flows. At times using clients computers can lead into technical difficulties, say they haven't cleaned out their cache since they bought the computer 10 years ago and you get side tracked trying to fix their computer in order to show your presentation... Good if you want to upsell them to a new computer or repair services...

    Christine
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    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
      Doctors and Lawyers? This could be your experience very true, but I submit to you its more a perception you might have that is a mental block.

      If the clients computer is 10 years old I am thinking they are not a candidate for my services. LOL

      I've had no troubles on any ones computer so far, it all depends on what you want to show the prospect while using their computer.

      I usually show them some Google search results, etc. etc.



      Originally Posted by cbest View Post

      Some clients such as Dr's, lawyers..etc you're not going to get on their computer, and on your own system whether mobile or laptop you can have things set-up so your presentation flows. At times using clients computers can lead into technical difficulties, say they haven't cleaned out their cache since they bought the computer 10 years ago and you get side tracked trying to fix their computer in order to show your presentation... Good if you want to upsell them to a new computer or repair services...

      Christine
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      • Profile picture of the author Sheila
        I'm with Rus on this . . .I've been selling for over 30 years to business owners, and I've found it's always best to get them involved in the sales process - which means letting them use their own computer. They'll believe what you're saying if they can see it for themselves. No smoke and mirrors. If they trust you, you've got the sale as long as you'll help them make a profit and they can afford your services :-)
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        • Profile picture of the author GCooper
          Originally Posted by Sheila View Post

          ...If they trust you, you've got the sale as long as you'll help them make a profit and they can afford your services :-)
          Very, very true.

          Strive to become a trusted advisor, similar to their CPA, attorney or doctor.

          -G
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  • Profile picture of the author JordanBanks
    I find out if they have a computer "hooked up" and ask them to do a quick search for me (just to show them that they DO NOT come up on search results). But while I have them on their computer, I show them other businesses I've helped.
    Generally, Google searches go pretty quickly even on slow connections. But playing a YouTube video on a slow connection can be painful if there's lots of stops and starts as it downloads.
    If I have to show a video, I'll usually have it on my phone's (BIG DELL STREAK) SD card, pull it up, and play it.
    The only reasons I like using theirs is it's typically faster if it's on an ethernet connection rather than me hoping for good 3G or picking up free wifi somewhere, and like Rus Sells said - if it's on their computer and you can do live searches, they'll know it's not just something funny that you may programmed on your computer.
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    • Profile picture of the author cbest
      Originally Posted by JordanBanks View Post

      I find out if they have a computer "hooked up" and ask them to do a quick search for me (just to show them that they DO NOT come up on search results). But while I have them on their computer, I show them other businesses I've helped.

      Having the client do the search on their system is a good idea..then follow with your own system for those who for whatever reason would be hesitant of having someone else on their computer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Headfirst
    I use an ipad as it is a more intimate delivery than a laptop. I cache many off the sites I need for the presentation with an offline browser in case I don't have a good connection.
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  • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
    I take two ears

    Tony
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    In usually charge between 300 and 400 dollars depending on their site. It is pre built and a quick sale.

    Plus your not competing with the myriad of others flogging seo, directories, etc.

    Quentin
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim Hoogasian
    I would not use a client's computer for many reasons, not least is that if for some reason it acts up (whether during your presentation or some time later) you leave yourself open to accusations that you "infected" it with a virus, spyware, etc. You don't need the potential liability headaches.

    This accusation doesn't have to originate with the business owner, it could be from an employee that is having a bad day, their IT guy who can't figure out the problem, etc.

    Avoid problems, completely. Use your own hardware and legitimate (!!!) software.
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  • Profile picture of the author juliapattrick
    I use my own laptop for presenting.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    There is a difference between the "I would" and the "I would not". Its usually the size of their bank account.
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    • Profile picture of the author nando1125
      I usually let the client use his/her own computer when explaining something like SEO. But when it comes to showing them some "web design" work, I usually go ahead and use my 13" mac since it has a nice shinny video card it def helps out showing quality work.

      Fern
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