| Hosting a new client at your office can be a | | | | your presentation. Providing a computer rental to |
| stressful experience. As the saying goes, you only | | | | the client is a thoughtful gesture. If your |
| have one chance to make a great first | | | | presentation is on Power Point, be sure to place it |
| impression. In our current economy, if you don't | | | | on a disk so your client can follow along and take |
| succeed in impressing your potential client | | | | with him when he leaves. Provide a memory stick |
| immediately, he or she may take their business to | | | | or a disk so your client can remove any data |
| the next company. Making a good impression on | | | | they placed on the rental computer. |
| your client involves making them feel as though | | | | If you plan on taking your client out of the office |
| you have all of the answers to the questions | | | | for lunch, be sure to research their preferences |
| before they ask. | | | | before hand. If you can't find out what their |
| When clients come in for a set appointment, don't | | | | favorite type of food is, choose a neutral |
| make them wait. Be prompt and considerate of | | | | restaurant that would serve a variety of cuisine. |
| their time by ushering them into your office or | | | | A sushi restaurant wouldn't go over very well |
| meeting area immediately upon arrival. Although it | | | | with a client who is allergic to fish. Be wary of |
| is tempting to make yourself look overly busy, a | | | | consuming too much alcohol, and always be sure |
| client needs to feel as though they are important | | | | to pick up the bill. It would seem to be common |
| enough for you to not waste their time. | | | | sense when entertaining prospective clients, but |
| Before the meeting, be sure to set up food and | | | | nothing leaves a bad impression more than |
| beverage service. Nothing puts a person in a bad | | | | expecting a client to divvy up his share when the |
| mood faster than being hungry or thirsty and | | | | bill arrives. |
| being trapped in a presentation. Allow time for | | | | Other tips and tricks for a great meeting include |
| breaks, offer acceptable food and beverages, and | | | | dressing to impress in proper business attire, |
| be sure to watch your client carefully in order to | | | | researching and being knowledgeable about their |
| properly gauge his or her needs. | | | | business, and are properly prepared for any |
| Offering special services during the meeting is also | | | | questions that come your way. Anyone can |
| a perk for potential clients. Perhaps he or she did | | | | impress the most difficult of client by being well |
| not have access to a laptop computer to record | | | | prepared for your next meeting. |
| his or her own personal thoughts and notes about | | | | |