The first meeting with a client is crucial because you won’t get a second chance—first impressions must be perfect! Keep in mind that the client is also meeting other candidates, so you need to stand out!
Here are some tips to put all the odds in your favor! 👇
1) Propose an agenda at the start of the meeting
Example of an agenda:
Quick round of introductions
Deep dive into the client’s needs
Your presentation
Align on the next steps
2) Do a quick introduction round
The goal is to identify all the participants in the meeting.
3) Prepare a list of questions to dig deeper into the client’s needs
The objective is to gather all the key information to help you build the best possible proposal.
4) Introduce yourself (in other words, SELL YOURSELF!)
Show examples of similar projects you’ve completed (prepare these before the meeting), such as visuals, client testimonials, etc.
Highlight your years of experience and client references—ideally linked to the project (e.g., a competitor or a similar player in terms of operations, B2B vs. B2C).
5) Define the next steps
Offer the client clear next steps, such as:
Sending over your proposal
Scheduling a follow-up meeting if needed to discuss and refine the proposal
Note: It’s important to meet the deadlines you announce and keep the client informed of any issues that might delay you—or even force you to step back from the project!
6) Don’t forget a thank-you email
Send a short thank-you email after the meeting, reiterating the next steps 🙂