Did you know that I offer FREE consult calls? So what are they, and should you book one? The consult call is basically where we get to know each other. This is important so that we can know if we’re the best fit for each other. You don’t want to book a service if you’re not sure if it’s what you want or need. Here’s what goes on in a free consult call.

What goes on in a free consult call

Before the call happens, you have to book a call in my scheduler. You have the choice of picking between Skype or a phone call if you’re in the U.S. If you’re outside the U.S., then I can only offer Skype calls.

If you choose Skype, I tend to leave the camera off during our first call (unless this is a coffee chat, keep reading to find out more about those), but if you want the camera’s on, let me know! I would love to meet face to face. On the day of our consult call, I will call you at the scheduled time.

Who goes first?

Besides introducing ourselves, I always let you speak first. Usually, if you book a call with me, you have questions. Sometimes you already asked them when you booked the consult call. I had one client list everything she wanted to talk about on my booking form. Most of the call was spent answering all her questions. I didn’t mind, I thought it was interesting and it gave her a lot of ideas for her business.

If you don’t really have any questions, I start by asking about your business and your goals. Then I ask questions from there or you can ask questions from there. Don’t know what to ask during a consult call, click here for a few ideas.

What I discuss

After we discuss your questions and your business goals, then if it’s applicable, I might discuss my services, but that’s only if you’re interested. I’m not really a big fan of being pushy or aggressive with a sale. I just think of these calls as getting to know you and your business. BUT if you’re interested in my services, I discuss my process and what the next steps are in hiring me.

After the call

While we’re on a call, I tend to write notes (so if I’m looking down, don’t think I’m being rude! I just like to write things down so I won’t forget). Those notes are important because I like to send an email after our call is complete. For the above client who asked a lot of questions, I gave her a lot of resources, so when I emailed her, I sent her a link to everything we talked about in our call.

If you were interested in my services, not only do I send an email with what we discussed, but I also send a contract and invoice. You’re not obligated to sign them, and they expire 7 days after they are sent.

Basically, 3 things happen after our call:

• I’m hired, and you get a business partner.
• I get ignored.
• I’m rejected in a nice way, but we become friends.

Surprisingly, being ignored doesn’t happen that often. I’ve always had interesting conversations with the people I’ve spoken to so far. *fingers crossed*

Coffee Chats

What are coffee chats (Side note: I don’t drink coffee, so I sometimes call these tea chats)? They’re basically calls where I get to know you, but no selling. These are usually for networking and making friends. I love these calls because you get to know more about what and how other entrepreneurs got started.

Essentially they’re like the consult calls because you’re just learning about each other. I prefer these calls to be on Skype with the camera on, so I can meet you face to face.

Summary

This is one of my shorter blog posts, but if you didn’t have time to read through it, here are some takeaways:

• After our introductions, we discuss your business and any questions you might have.
• If you’re interested in my services, I go through my process and how to book my services.
• I send an email with a summary of everything we discuss. If you were interested in my services, I also send my contract and invoice.

Have you ever been on a consult call or coffee chat? Let me know how they went in the comments below.

 

-Paigon | Natasha Lane Design Co.