My first client call is permanently etched onto my brain.
Not so much because of the call itself. But the anxiety and overwhelm associated with the lead up to it.
I remember that mile-long checklist I had:
• List of questions to ask — check!
• Time zones are right — check.
• Know what to say if they have issues with the price — check…ish!
• And a million other things.
We got on the call. It was for a website “about” page.
That meeting went for way over an hour. It didn’t need to. But I blabbed my way nervously through it.
Hey…
First time-itis! 😨
And even though I said some dumb stuff during the call. What I think saved me, was just kinda being my geeky self.
Not being afraid to laugh at myself. And not making a big deal if things didn’t go smoothly.
(BTW I did get the job. And they were ecstatic with the results — no joke)
I don’t know what your comfort levels are when when meeting a stranger on a Zoom call for the first time.
Maybe it’s like water off a ducks back for you.
Most of us aren’t that chilled I think.
But I’ve done a few since that first one.
And a few things off the top of my head that can help are:
• Be prepared. Know the who, what, where, why etc as much as possible. Know about what your prospective client does, and why. And what they’re talking to you about.
• Have an agenda. It doesn’t have to be long. Tell them what it is. Ask if there’s anything not on it they’d like to add. (This helps set you up as being in charge of the meeting).
• Remember the housekeeping bits for the start. Including recording the call (and get their permission before the call, ideally).
• Most important: You have to lead the call. Otherwise they will take over. Or you’ll both sit there in a very awkward silence.
If it’s the first time you’re having a call, even practice it beforehand.
Do a trial run with a friend.
Get them to act the part of the client. Even if it’s a bit artificial on the interactions.
At least you can do a dry run with the technology and check it’s behaving. So that’s one less point of anxiety.
You can also check that you’ve got enough space to express yourself in front of the camera.
I’m a “flailing hands” person. And it’s really annoying when I’m using them to help me talk but the video is only showing my face.
If you’re an old pro at this client call stuff. Perhaps there’s a newer freelancer you could offer to help with a trial run.
Because…
Better client calls are better for everyone.
The more clients that have great experiences with freelancers… the better they’ll feel about the next hire they’re looking at making.
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Chris Milham