Potentially first client..ever - How to close.

13 replies
Hi everyone..I'll get down to it:

I've been studying everything on this forum for about 2 years but just now took action and had a website made..promoting my web design services.

I basically have no budget so I have been trying free methods to get clients.

I recently posted on craiglist and got a reply from an assistant to some fitness business. She said her boss wanted to speak about upcoming projects.

He called me but I didn't answer...I'm frightned on the phone and I stumble my words and just cant get my speech together...so i was scared to speak to him.

I emailed him and asked for the specs on the upcoming projects and told him that I've been busy and wanted him to email me the specs. (bad move i know)

I sent that email about 2 hours ago and hopefully will received a email back tomorrow. I am scared he will ask to speak on the phone (probably will).

The reason I'm scared is..I'm a senior in highschool (18 years old) and just created this business and everything is outsourced to reliable web design companies.

I'm scared he will ask for more info on my company...what would I say...I'm a senior in high school and don't have an office because everything is outsourced.

What if he asks where our company is and how long we have been around? Yikes!

I really want to close this sale because they need an e-commerce website and I could charge the big $ for that.

Please help me find some suitable replies to those questions he may ask, thanks!
#clientever #close #potentially
  • Profile picture of the author Chrisbroholm
    You are definitely freaking out a bit. You don't need to run a huge marketing agency to be an asset for this dude, you simply tell him the truth that you are a young dude who's been doing this stuff for a long time. Generally as long as you can show some examples of your work, people really don't inquire too much into expertise in my experience.

    If he asks about your company, simply tell him why you formed it and the vision; because you love web design so much. He doesn't need to know how your company works on the inside.

    You DO really need to work on those phone skills though, maybe sales skills in general? I'm sure if you did a search on the warrior forums some helpful threads would come up on the matter - its highly important!
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    • Profile picture of the author TakenAction
      Originally Posted by Chrisbroholm View Post

      You are definitely freaking out a bit. You don't need to run a huge marketing agency to be an asset for this dude, you simply tell him the truth that you are a young dude who's been doing this stuff for a long time. Generally as long as you can show some examples of your work, people really don't inquire too much into expertise in my experience.

      If he asks about your company, simply tell him why you formed it and the vision; because you love web design so much. He doesn't need to know how your company works on the inside.

      You DO really need to work on those phone skills though, maybe sales skills in general? I'm sure if you did a search on the warrior forums some helpful threads would come up on the matter - its highly important!
      Thanks for your reply! Yeah I am freaking out..I really want to close this deal.
      I just have a feeling saying I'm 18 and telling him we have no office etc. would turn him off to more professional designers.
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      The best thing you can do is put yourself out there.

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  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    You need to build some confidence.
    The phone is the least of your worries.
    Since, it was Craigslist, they are probably local.
    So, the owner may want to meet up with you.

    How do you feel about that? :-[

    You should call up the owner or just stop into his gym tomorrow after school.
    Say you are sorry you missed his call. You were on the other line, and just shot the email over so you could get some more info about what he was looking for before you got on the phone.

    Experience....??? Do you have any?
    If you are new, say so. If you aren't them tell him about your experience.

    Well, how long have you been in business?

    Don't worry about the office thing. You work out of your home, noo big deal.
    I do too. I go to an office in the morning, but come home after lunch and finish my day at home.

    As far as your age.... if you or your outsourcers are any good, age shouldn't matter.
    He may try to take advantage of you if you are new and young, but stick to your guns.

    You don't need them all.
    You won't close them all.
    You just have to close some, sometimes.
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    - Neale Donald Wilson -
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  • Profile picture of the author adegaspery
    Thanks for this, I sure will read this tonight!
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    • Profile picture of the author Irish Intuition
      Pfft... your age will only be a problem because of experience. You
      can dodge any meetings or any way of them knowing your age.

      Do you have a website yet yourself?
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  • Ok.. take a deep breath...got it? ok
    The fact that you have been studying this for years now put's you well above most of the clients you are going to meet with. YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE THEY DONT.
    Own that man! See it feel it.
    If your plan is to move forward on your endeavors as a business, then you need to act the part. Please Lord do not walk into a meeting looking like a 16yr old skateboarder.
    Dress the part. Shave etc.
    I would suggest meeting with them. It might scare the poop right out of you, but you will be walking on the moon win loose or draw.
    A few have mentioned learning some sales tactics. Great reads btw, so jump on that.
    But the main key is be patient, listen to what they are saying.
    Reply with how you can help them achieve those goals.
    If he asks your age, don't lie, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. I wish I had your cojones at 18. (too busy drinking beer and chasing girls)
    Just say something like.."well, I am one of those rare people that got a clue at a young age...."

    Hope this helps some.
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  • Profile picture of the author iamrichard
    the first thing i would suggest you is to be honest. When you are honest, you will be more confident as well. You would surpise that how many business owners are so nice to new startups. They have been there and they know how it feels. So they would love to help you in anyway they can. I would not worry too much about telling them that your business is new. Furthermore, tell them that since your business is new and you are willing to give them a good discount to get words spread out. That is exactly how i got my first client.

    However you do need some basic website building knowledge in order to set up your authority figure and gain the trust.

    last not least, congratulation on your taking action. That is where every success starts.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elamros
    You need to build your confidence. I agree that you need to be honest too, but if the client does not ask, you don't have to tell him. As long as you are confident you can do the job right when you accept it. You will learn with experience. Don't be too scared. If you try to search for Ramit Sethi, I recommend that you read his blog and sign up for his private list. I'm not really promoting but I am a fan because this man teaches great ideas on looking for your dream job and negotiating tips. You will learn a lot from him. Hope you find this helpful.
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  • Profile picture of the author liindsay
    99.99% of the time, no one will ask for your age unless you give them a reason to.

    You have to get in the mindset that you and your potential client are actually on the SAME level. You're a business owner, and your potential clients are also business owners. If anything, there is already a mutual respect between the 2 of you.

    If you know anyone who owns a business, go in there for a day and just observe. You will notice that business owners generally don't have time to obsess over the small things you are worrying about. They are more likely to either get a bad vibe after contacting/meeting you and that's pretty much it.. he won't even remember you the next day, or he gets a good vibe and you start a relationship business to business.

    edit: I just realised that you're actually worried about calling back an assistant? You're a business owner now, get in that mindset
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  • Profile picture of the author Merden
    So are this whole activity help us in increasing of new clients?
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  • Profile picture of the author TakenAction
    Thanks everyone for the replies!

    I appreciate all the help!
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    The best thing you can do is put yourself out there.

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  • Profile picture of the author PsycFa
    I understand your apprehension and I believe that you are right.. If i am the owner of a company and calling you; obviously I will consider checking if you are reliable or not.. Basic online background check on company; your name etc...

    What you need to do is position yourself. Position yourself as a freelancer and not a company. Position yourself as an expert by putting your profiles places where those people can easily find if they search for your name for e.g.

    Regardless of your age and knowledge; if they do not see that you are genuine, they will back out; I can guarantee you that. So it is all about branding and positioning yourself as an expert freelancer as well as some unique aspects on why they need to hire you.

    POSITIONING SAMPLE ON YOUR PROFILES ETC:

    TAGLINE:"WHY SPEND THOUSANDS WITH A MARKETING AGENCY WHEN YOU CAN GET THE SAME QUALITY WORK FROM AN EXPERIENCED FREELANCER AT A MORE AFFORDABLE PRICE"
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    The aim of marketing is to make selling superfluous. The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well that the product or service fits him and sells itself.....

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  • Profile picture of the author nathanjacobs
    It takes brass balls to sell Web Design and Marketing Services. They are all out there just waiting to give you their money. Are you man enough to take it?

    You're in the real world now kid. You're a business owner, you have what they want. Sell it to them, and make no excuses until one of those excuses actually happens in a client meeting.

    The Art of selling by Alec Baldwin - YouTube
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