How I turned my agency client meetings from boring to interactive and make more $$$
Every great agency owner knows that relationships are at the core of their success and by following these simple steps, meeting with clients will become something you look forward to doing.
Are you tired of having uninspiring, same-old client meetings?
If this sounds like a too familiar story for your design agency, then today’s the day to make a change. Come take a journey with me as I explain how I was able to turn my boring client meetings into profitable and interactive ones – all without compromising time or resources!
We all have been stuck in the endless cycle of boring meetings.
It seems like it's an unavoidable part of our day, leaving us to count down the minutes until its over. You know the kind – too many people talking, going in circles and no decision being made?
And then there are slideshows, followed by other presentations about nothing much at all. Talk about wasting time!
But let's not give up hope; maybe there's a way to make these tedious gatherings into ones that are actually productive and even enjoyable! Let's break free from the bondage of boring meetings.
How it all had started for me as a marketer
We had been working on this creative project with my team for weeks now, but they were stuck at a dead end.
As conversations began flowing around me, I opened up my laptop and pulled out a whiteboard marker from my pocket – it was time to move beyond talking and start getting something done!
As each person shared their thoughts, I jotted down notes onto the board nearby until finally they had enough information between them all that decisions could be made.
Seeing everyone engaged with each other, and having all this expert client knowledge collected sparked my mind.
All it needed was someone to lead the conversation.
My 6 tips to turn your next client meeting into an expert session
1. See the conversation as a process
When it comes to hosting a client meeting, you have to lead the conversation, as though you’re the host of your own personal talk show.
2. Turn questions into information
You should always have questions prepared beforehand, so that you can keep the discussion flowing seamlessly and know you have collected all the necessary information to move the project forward.
3. Facilitate the conversation by guiding
By taking a more facilitative role in the conversation, you can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to express their own unique point-of-view and ideas. You will be surprised by the quietest person’s thoughts in the room.
4. Stop monologues – invite for dialogues
Instead of having a monologue throughout the entire meeting, be sure to open up for the dialogue and engage with everyone who wants to speak so that all facets of the conversation are explored.
5. Never leave a meeting without a decision
You need to make decisions and determine a clear outcome that everyone can agree on before proceeding forward. Use a little pressure and ask the main decider in the room to make the final call.
6. Watch the time & topic
People tend to talk about a topic way too detail or get lost in topics that do not help the decision-making. Have a clear timer set up and move to the next question on your list.
These tips ensure that your clients will leave with a positive impression after a meeting and that everyone felt like it was important to attend.
Now your team can put an end to the back-and-forth of those dreaded email conversations and get right down to business. Armed with clear information, creatives have everything they need to make their creative magic happen!
Ditch the pitch
Next time you’re leading a client meeting, remember to ask critical questions and visualize the information your clients are giving you. You want to be seen as the expert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from your clients too!
By involving them in the process and getting their input at every stage, you’ll end up with a stronger connection – and better project results.
Ditch the pitch and work hand-in-hand with your clients instead.
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