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Meeting my first potential client!

by bhuff85
11 replies
I have a local restaurant/bar directory and have been spending the better part of the last couple months really building up the user base and getting people familiar with it. I've started to slowly dive into the beginning process of contacting restaurants/bars to start upselling the upgrades.

I've been using Twitter recently to connect with local establishments and get my brand out there. I basically just started following local establishments I created a listing for. Those who followed back I sent a DM to them letting them know they were listed on my site and asked for clarification on the info I had.

Well, a local bar got back to me to clarify some changes. As a "shot in the dark" approach, I just replied to let them know I would make the changes and would love to get together with them to talk more about how I could help them bring more customers through their doors. They hit me back to schedule an appointment!

Feels good to finally land an appointment with someone. It may not seem like much to some, but this is definitely a motivator to really kick things into gear!

Since this is my very first meeting with a potential client, I want to make sure I'm well prepared. Any tips or pointers you experienced guys here might have for a guy who is "newer" to the offline world?
#client #meeting #potential
  • Profile picture of the author Samaseth
    Nice!

    Show how you can bring a lot of value to them and keep it simple. Otherwise keep grinding at getting more clients and meetings.

    Also don't have too high expectations for the first meeting. You don't close all the potential clients you have ( as some of them are just not motivated enough, or there's not a good fit) and especially not from the beginning!
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  • Profile picture of the author lgco2012
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author bhuff85
      Originally Posted by Samaseth View Post

      Nice!

      Show how you can bring a lot of value to them and keep it simple. Otherwise keep grinding at getting more clients and meetings.

      Also don't have too high expectations for the first meeting. You don't close all the potential clients you have ( as some of them are just not motivated enough, or there's not a good fit) and especially not from the beginning!
      Thanks for the feedback. I plan just to shoot the breeze a bit and just ask them about how business is going and see what they are doing to bring people through their doors. Figure the best way is to ask questions and listen intently as they do most of the talking. Either way, it will be a good ice breaker and something to get the "first time jitters" out of the way.

      Originally Posted by lgco2012 View Post

      Don't try to impress. Just be yourself
      That's the plan. We will see how it pans out once I'm there.
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      • Profile picture of the author kirbymarketingconcierge
        remember you belong. feel it. you can do the job that they can't. they know their business.

        1st impressions count, so remember that you belong, your are there for a win/win because like you can, they have the ability to sense a bad motive within the 1st few seconds.

        lose those shades. it's shady!

        p.s. - I wish I was better looking, it would help with a good impression!
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        • Profile picture of the author RDelgado
          Try giving them something free, but valuable to their business.

          Make a video for them & upload it to Youtube, give them a report "How to bring in new customers", etc...

          You wouldn't believe how the law of reciprocity will work for you.

          Hope this helps!

          Rob
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          • Profile picture of the author bhuff85
            Originally Posted by RDelgado View Post

            Try giving them something free, but valuable to their business.

            Make a video for them & upload it to Youtube, give them a report "How to bring in new customers", etc...

            You wouldn't believe how the law of reciprocity will work for you.

            Hope this helps!

            Rob
            Since they are my first prospect and I need a few clients to test out how current users will respond to their offers, I'm planning to offer a free month of my coupon service. In fact, I'm sending out a direct mail piece starting this week that presents the same offer (which is only available for the first 10 clients to respond and commit). After the "trial period", I'm going to get them signed on at a discounted rate. All advertisers that come after the first 10 pay regular rates.

            I will let you guys know how things go. I may even be able to land more than what I'm aiming for, as they don't have a website but use other web properties (Facebook, Twitter, etc). Lots of opportunity here!
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    • Profile picture of the author apprillove
      Originally Posted by lgco2012 View Post

      Don't try to impress. Just be yourself
      Originally Posted by bhuff85 View Post

      That's the plan. We will see how it pans out once I'm there.
      Good Luck Bhuff. This could be exciting for you and for your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Why offer them free anything? I wouldn't. They want your expertise, they can pay you for it.

    Here's a killer question I rarely share:

    "When you got into this business...what were your hopes and aspirations?"

    Try it out. Get ready to sit and take notes.
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  • Profile picture of the author bhuff85
    Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

    Why offer them free anything? I wouldn't. They want your expertise, they can pay you for it.

    Here's a killer question I rarely share:

    "When you got into this business...what were your hopes and aspirations?"

    Try it out. Get ready to sit and take notes.
    I know what you mean. I guess I should've clarified in my earlier posts that the "free" pitch will more or less be used as a last resort, as I plan on bringing a copy of my media kit to go over what options are available and their cost. I certainly won't offer the freebie if they are 100% on board with a paid listing option right from the get-go.

    Thanks for the question. I'll try and give that one a shot when I'm there. That actually would be a good way to open things up!

    Originally Posted by jaasmit View Post

    You should look for so many ways of communication that way you can do that much more effectively.
    It always a good practice to make it differently.
    Thanks, but I'm not sure what you mean here...
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    • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
      Originally Posted by bhuff85 View Post

      I know what you mean. I guess I should've clarified in my earlier posts that the "free" pitch will more or less be used as a last resort, as I plan on bringing a copy of my media kit to go over what options are available and their cost. I certainly won't offer the freebie if they are 100% on board with a paid listing option right from the get-go.

      Thanks for the question. I'll try and give that one a shot when I'm there. That actually would be a good way to open things up!



      Thanks, but I'm not sure what you mean here...
      Have some small talk first...a minute tops. Then look around with a big smile on your face, look back at the prospect and then ask the question. Make it sound off-the-cuff, not planned. Use words you are comfortable with, but that get the point across.
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  • Profile picture of the author bhuff85
    A couple more questions:

    - Anyone know of any quick and simple sample agreements? I want to sign people on for a 6 to 12 month deal, but want something simple and not full of jargon. Short and to the point.

    - Would you lock people in for 6 to 12 months or let them cancel at any time? Of course if they cancel, their listing would default back to a "free" listing and lose all of the upgrades with it (even if they choose NOT to renew). I'd really like to aim for a 6 to 12 month deal that is payable upfront. That way I don't have to try and chase people down if an automatic payment fails or if they fail to pay at all.

    Appreciate all of the feedback so far guys!
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  • Profile picture of the author subashanusha@gmail.com
    Be yourself. Don't try to get impress. Keep smiling and at the time observe everything what you want to know..
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