Hi everyone. I dont have a paying client yet (I do work for my friend in return for a referral) but I am trying as hard as I can to get one with working a full time job in an office. I want to prepare myself for my first consultation phone call when I get it on the books so I sound confident. What types of things were you asked by potiential clients during your first phone call and how did you answer them? Please include those off the wall questions! I want to be prepared for anything!

Hi Amanda,
Generally the prospects want to know what kinds of services you offer. Do you specialize in anything? They want to know how you work with clients. (ie-via email, phone, IM, etc) They want to know how much you charge. Is it hourly? By project? Retainer? Do you do all the work yourself or do you outsource? What types of clients do you work with? How can you help me (them)? How do you accept payment? PayPal, Check? Do you have a contract for them to sign? What is your availability? Can you be available to work during the day for clients who have time sensitive deadlines? Do you work weekends? Do you do on-site visits or are you strictly virtual?

You need to decide all of these things before you start accepting clients.

I'm sure there's more but I can't think of them right now. (It's 1:30 am

Hope that helps!

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Hi Amanda
Shari gave you a great answer and some really good starting points.

I just wanted to add that it's also good if you're prepared with your own questions - and actually leading the conversation in that way (asking the questions and getting the client talking about what their pain points are, drawing them into a better understanding of how they can utilize your services) is a wonderful way to maintain your composure and stay confident throughout the call.

If your PC has given you any indication prior to the call about what they do, what industry they're in, where they feel their business is needing support, etc. - use that to your advantage and do your homework before the call whenever you're able to.

There will be some potential clients who get in touch and you won't have time to research, so having a few standard questions to ask during any consulation will be important too.

You're 'interviewing' the PC as much as they are you...

Best of luck!

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Thank you! I will definitly have my list of standard questions and will do my homework. Now I'm just ready for the clients to be banging down my door!