I recently was contacted by a potential client who was interested in my services. At first she sent me an email with all of the services she is interested in and I sent one back with what I do and my quotes. She then wanted to have a phone conversation (which was fine with me), we again went over the services she was interested in, gave her a little bit more about my background before starting my VA practice, etc. Now what? I am thinking of sending her a Thank You Card, but would like to include something else. Any suggestions?

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Nellie Vigneron - Your Online Office Manager
www.nuvsolutions.com

Personally, I don't think that a Thank You card is appropriate at this point. Save that for when she signs on with you as a client.

I recommend calling her for a follow-up and ask for the business; it sounds like she's given you quite a few buying signals. If she has concerns or objections you have an opportunity to overcome them immediately and get her to move forward.

A nice way to ask for business is by using the alternative close: something like, "Would you like to start on an hourly or retainer basis?". Or you can use the same idea with the list of services that she said she was interested in. Pick two and ask which one she wants to start off with first.

Good luck Nellie. I'll have my fingers-crossed for you

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

Hi Nellie,
I agree, a thank you card seems inappropriate. Just follow up with the potential client in a reasonable timeframe to see if she has made a decision yet and are there any unclarities or does she want more info. etc.
Good luck!

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Hilde
www.vbbassociates.com

I would send another follow-up email asking if she has any more questions or needs additional information to get her started. Ask for a phone call and that would be the time that you close the deal by asking her when she would like to get started.

At this point you will know whether she is a serious client or just muddling around and not ready to make the commitment.

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Lee Drozak

After the consultation (try to aim for one call key in on the service they want and rate so you have what they want without repeat calls) do a follow up email - Don't let them over stall ..did you send a proposal http://www.morebusiness.com/template...d926540626.brc a proposal will give the client a decision to make- give them a few days - follow up if they had time to review the proposal and ready to get started, that helps get to the point of contract. I'd save the thank you letters for once they are a client.

As many others have said definitely send a follow up email/call over a Thank you card.

This is what I've been doing for several weeks and the potential client has been very responsive to my communication(s). It's been great and given me an opportunity to get to know her more.

Good luck.

I'll throw in my two cents - when you do the follow-up, it's important to have some type of close. Not a high-pressure one, but don't leave it at "do you have any other questions"...that invites more of your time to be used and not billed.

Usually I say something like, "I would love to get you started - can you let me know your interest in the next couple of days, as my slots for the month are almost filled? If not, let me know when you are ready and I'll look at my schedule for that month." It tells clients that you aren't waiting around for them to be ready, but doesn't pressure them to buy your services if they aren't truly ready, either.

Then you can drip campaign them as needed/wanted.

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Mentoring, Training, & Assistance for Virtual Assistants: WordPress, Business, and Profit Mindset (and it's fun, too!)

Originally Posted by Gower Power

I'll throw in my two cents - when you do the follow-up, it's important to have some type of close. Not a high-pressure one, but don't leave it at "do you have any other questions"...that invites more of your time to be used and not billed. Usually I say something like, "I would love to get you started - can you let me know your interest in the next couple of days, as my slots for the month are almost filled? If not, let me know when you are ready and I'll look at my schedule for that month." It tells clients that you aren't waiting around for them to be ready, but doesn't pressure them to buy your services if they aren't truly ready, either. Then you can drip campaign them as needed/wanted.

Thats a good close! I am getting ready to send my first proposal after the call

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Tiffani~ ABS

I receive several email requests for phone consults. I usually follow up with an email that includes my brochure, the RFP response and request to schedule a follow up call to answer any questions that they may have.

I think one of the best questions you can ask is "what would hold you back from using our services?" The client could just be swamped to find the time to sign up.Take the initiave.

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Chelsey Washington
Payton Jade Productions, www.paytonjade.com