Since I was freaking out this morning about a potential client meeting I have tomorrow morning I thought I'd do something productive to ease my nerves. I listened to a webcast by Mark Wiskup, author of The It Factor. It is one of the webcasts that can be found at the AMA link I posted a few days ago.

Since I spent the time to listen to the webcast I thought I'd post some of the highlights I want to use tomorrow - my secondary reason is that typing them might help me remember them when I'm nervous!

• Develop an agenda every time you communicate regardless of the setting - meeting, phone conversation, etc.
• Change the status quo with your agenda or you're wasting your time!
• Be able to describe in vivid detail what you do for your customer. His example: NOT "I work on computers" BUT "I make sure my clients are technically capable of getting their work done and that computer headaches don't hold them up."
• Headline quickly! This means you should be able to tell the person you are talking to the point of the story in one sentence - then provide the supporting information. This is a great way to figure out the needs of your client...ask for the headline.
• Accept compliments by saying thank you and immediately ask what you can do for your client. They've already said in their compliment that they like you! Immediately turn that into an opportunity for yourself.

I'm sure I have no reason to worry since this is by no means catastrophic to my life in general; however, nervous is good, right?

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

I completely understand. Every time I have to do an in person meeting, my stomach tightens up, but it's getting easier. I'm just always so nervous because I want to make a good impression and to come off as this busy savvy individual. I would end by saying good luck, but I'm sure you don't need it. Just remember confidence is key. You're gonna do great.


Trena

Some things that help me when I get nervous (and I get nervous a lot):

1. Just remember that this is only so many minutes (or hours) out of your life, just get through it and don't worry about how you think you might sound
2. Think of the absolute best that can happen...now think of the absolute worse. Chance are, you'll fall somewhere between the mid and high range
3. When asked a question, don't feel like you have to rush right in and answer. Sit back, take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and go. (don't take too long, though)
4. Don't be afraid that you don't know the answer to something. We can't always anticipate everything that someone throws at us. Be calm, let them know that that's a very good question and let them know that you'll get back to them on it within 24 hours. Of course, you still want to do your prep work so you can answer most questions that may come up
5. If you want to prepare for as many "surprises" as possible, have a friend pretend to be the client and ask questions, the more off-the-wall the better
6. Finally, if all else fails, fall back on the old method of picturing someone in their Winnie-the-Pooh boxers...lol

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy:

Sundi,

A little nervous is good - it shows that you care alot about your client and your business. You are going to do wonderfully! Positive thoughts and energy coming your way!

Yvone

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Yvone M. Kon
M.Y. Marketing & Design
Your Virtual Marketing Assistant - At Your Service!
www.mymarketingdesign.com

Sundi, you'll do great - don't worry - you've got all the basics down pat and you *know* you're the best VA for the job. So just walk in there with the conviction that you're going to contract this client, that he'll pay your rate without hesitation after learning about the many ways in which you'll impact his business to the positve, and smile!

Your shining personality and professionlism will carry you through this! Keep us posted on what happens, and thanks for sharing the tips in your post - nerves are part of the game for all of us, but with great support and a few key tools it's easier to make the most of it and come out ahead.

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Whew! Of course it went fine. I don't see any immediate results coming my way but I think it is a great connection to have made and see it going somewhere eventually! Thanks for all the encouragement. As always, you guys are great at that!

Make it a great day!

__________________
Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com