Get set, Client Call!

Short Horror Story: You have a client call in 10 minutes and you are unprepared. Send shivers down your spine, huh? We know it. 

For freelancers, client calls can feel like getting ready for a big test. You have to prepare for it like a major showdown, as one wrong move could send a promising gig down the drain. But what if we tell you that if you play your cards right, client calls can be a walk in the park, and pre-call jitters can be a thing of the past? 

First things first, you have to trust your skills and know where you shine and where you might need a little boost. After that, it's all about putting yourself out there in the best way possible.

Is there more? Absolutely, and we are going to walk you through each step. 

Discovery Call

This is your initial chat or the pitch, basically the "get-to-know-you" call. This is where you will get to know the client's temperament, achievements, and what they seek. It's your chance to chat them up and determine whether you can keep things breezy or need to wear your formal corporate hat. And you have to do all of these while showing you're a pro who knows their stuff. Sounds difficult? Don't worry; here's what you'll need to get the ball rolling.

1. Get to know yourself:

Keep a flawless introduction ready to shoot right before the interview. It's like having your favourite anecdotes at a dinner party – it keeps the party going. So, jot down some key points right before the big call: briefly mention your relevant projects, showcase your expertise, share a success story, and highlight your client-focused approach. This way, you'll leave a lasting impression without breaking a sweat.

2. Get to know the client:

Study the client's brand like you study the night before the exam. Dive into their website, explore their social media profiles, dissect PR articles, and exhaustively scour the web for any available information. This will enable you to tailor your responses and services and give you a rough idea of how much the client will likely spend on the project. Amazing, isn't it? 

3. Keep some numbers handy:

Clients are restless creatures, always in a hurry. Usually, they don't like to wait for your proposal to arrive and learn about your charges. They really want a ballpark figure upfront to decide if it's worth extending the conversation. Although we know, sometimes it's tough to determine the commercials of a project, but having a rough idea of how much you wish to take away is a good start. And if the client seems hesitant once you throw a figure, you can always drop a 'but my prices are negotiable' to keep up the talks. And to know more about how to price it right, tap here. 

4. Take notes:

As trivial as it sounds, trust us when we say it's a lifesaver. The longer the call, the higher the chances of you forgetting key details. And this will mess up your plans down the line, whether you're working on a proposal or the project. So, always take some notes. If you're not a speedy writer, plenty of free automated note-taking tools are available to lend you a hand. 

5. A fast internet:

We can't begin to stress how much a lousy internet can ruin a first impression. No matter how awesome you are or how spot-on your answers to important questions are, if your prospects can't hear you, they can't bear you. And, let's not forget, it drags out the conversation way longer than it should. So, what can you do to steer clear of this?

• Do a speed test an hour before your call. 

• Reserve a place in your home where the connection is steady.

• And keep your phone loaded with data so you can switch to the phone's internet in a second if any mishap occurs.

Post Proposal Call

Now that we've had our initial chat and you've got a good idea of what they're after, you'll put together a personalised proposal for them. After this, you have to hop on a call to go over the proposal, including the costs you have quoted. This call is like the bridge between you and the project, so make sure you have got all the right steps in place. 

6. Commercial and scope discussion:

Here, things can get a tad tricky as you'll need to find a price that works for both you and your client. So be prepared to send them a revised proposal. Do not be a hard nut to crack while negotiating unless the price doesn't justify your efforts. We have seen freelancers lose opportunities because they didn't want to budge from their initial quote. So, let your client know you will get back to them with new prices. 

7. Terms and conditions:

You must be thinking, "Isn't that what the proposal is for?". The truth is your clients might not sometimes go through every detail and remember them. So, a verbal heads-up is always a smart step. Remind them the number of free iterations you are open to do, your work timings, your way of going about a project, etc. This way, you will clear any confusion which would have come up later and created a sour experience.

Post Project Call

Your project is done, so it's time for payment and say bye-bye? Hold on, there is a small step after that.

8. Feedback call:

Always, always ask for feedback after a project. This will help the client find you reliable for future projects, and you will get to know whether you need to work on and brush up anything specific. Also, this helps you get a testimonial for the project which is super important for your business.

We hope we have covered everything you need to be your best self while taking client calls. Granted, you won't learn all of these in a day, but with some guidance and practice, you will be on the right track 

Please feel free to reply to this email and ask your burning question about client calls, we will be more than happy to answer them. 🙂

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For our previous lessons on rocking as a freelancer, tap here.