So you want to schedule a consult with a service provider, but there are so many options. Free, Paid, 15 min, 2 hours??? You ask yourself "Do I really even need one?" Yes you do, but don’t be overwhelmed, just keep reading.
Here are a few things you should know!
What is a consultation?
A consultation, consult, discovery call is what happens after you’ve done a bit of research on a business you’re looking to work with. You’ve found them online or by word-of-mouth, stalked their page or website and think they might be able to help but you won’t know until you talk to someone. Let’s be honest, you can’t just go handing over your hard earned money to just anyone so you schedule a consultation.
They are all about EDUCATION!
It’s your opportunity to teach them about your brand, your business and ideas so they can better understand what you need. You know what they do but they don’t know you!
Speak Up!
Be prepared to ask questions, and be prepared to answer some. Be clear about what you need and why. Even if you're not totally sure, have something prepared. Clarity will come, but don’t just ask about rates and prices. Simply getting a price quote may not provide you or the business person you're on the call with gain enough information and the goal is to help you make an informed decision about your businesses next steps. (Education Is key!) You may discover that you two aren’t a good fit or, it might be a great fit! The conversation could unlock some added benefits, prevent pitfalls, and expose concealed gems.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
If someone is offering a free consult, respect their time and be prepared. If they offer extra time at no charge, be sure to thank them. (Don’t be one of those people....u know the ones😜)And because not all consultations are free you may be required to invest a certain amount of money in order to gain information and glean from that persons expertise. Paying their rate also sends an immediate message that says I value you and your work. Your service providers time is valuable and chances are, even if you decide not to do business with them, you will have come away from the call or meeting with valuable information that you can immediately apply to your business or it may help you narrow down your search. Respect goes a long way and you never know if you'll have to engage them in the future.
Hey Partner!
Consultations are needed and benefit both parties. (We’re in this together!) Service providers like myself use them as tools for educating 😬 potential clients and also so that you can get to know us and our personality a bit before entering into a relationship. (Think of it as a mini date.) I can’t speak for everyone but be prepared to hear the truth. Every idea isn’t a good one and every plan isn’t fool-proof. The person you’re talking to is the expert....LISTEN to them...(make in-formed de-cisions). Whether you become a client or not I want you make choices that will benefit YOU. I get nothing out of seeing you fail especially knowing that I could have helped in some way. I’ve grown to really appreciate consultations and discovery calls because they help me serve you better. I learn something new with each one.
The next time you schedule one, whether it's free on paid, 15minutes, or 2 hours, approach it confidently and be optimistic. You never know what you might learn!
If you think Seventh and Lane might be a good fit, or want to learn more about one of my services schedule your free discovery call or in-depth consultation with me today and let’s see how I can help you and your business show up better!