How to Present Yourself to Prospective Clients

Learning how to present yourself to prospective clients is a very important skill that will help you professionally. Sometimes, in meetings with potential clients, what happens is you miss out on important things, you say some things you maybe shouldn’t, and you end up being dissatisfied. But don’t worry, I have some tips that will help you avoid disappointment.

They say that within 7 seconds the person across from you is assessing whether you’re likable, trustworthy, and competent, whether they want to work with you or not. A polite and positive introduction can help create a strong connection with your prospective client. 

In this article, you will learn a few things you should have in mind while presenting yourself. And hopefully, by the time you’ve done reading, you will know how to present yourself to prospective clients properly. 

Okay then, let’s start!

Step #1: Research Your Potential Client

First thing you should do when presenting yourself to clients is thorough research your potential client. You must learn anything you can about them and be prepared. They will feel valued and will appreciate you more.

Go to their website, their LinkedIn, and their social media. Explore them.

A little tip: You should also keep in mind that your clients could do the same research as you, so make sure your online profiles are accurate. 

You should know your clients’ business, know their industry, their values, etc. And find a common connection with them. See why it is a good thing for you to work together. This is the key to a new and strong relationship.

It is important for you to see and explore what it is that your client wants. That way, you will know how to properly communicate with your prospective client, and be the person they need. 

That does not, in any case, mean that you are supposed to lie. What I am trying to explain is that based on your clients’ needs, you should single out your skills, knowledge, previous works, etc. that they could find relatable and useful. 

Step #2: Present Yourself to Clients (Tell Them About Yourself)

Now, it is your turn! The time has come for you to present yourself to your prospective client. I will share 2 similar, but different ways for the best introduction. 

Make Yourself a One Pager

One-pager is a single-page response to your reading. It can be creative and experimental. A way to be brief and compressed. It can be emailed, shared on social media, printed out and sent, and so on. It is a good chance to stand out and be unique. This way of introduction is good for online presentations.

Pieces of information that you should include in your one-pager are:

• Your name and contact
• What you do and how you do it
• Informations about your team and what makes you unique
• Your target market
• Your key message

Simply, it is about putting the highlights onto a single piece of paper. The general purpose of it is to intrigue the listener, and make them want to hear your entire proposition and speech. It also saves you time, provides clarity, and is meant to grab clients’ attention. You should keep in mind that good content and good design are vital for a one-pager.

Also, of course, the best thing to do is to create a personal website as it allows you to showcase your work. But you can read more about it in this article. 

Read More: How to Show off Skills in a Creative Way With a Personal Website

Elevator Pitch

Good introductions are important. You are supposed to show your clients why you are the person they should be speaking to.

Now, let me tell you more about the elevator pitch. 

A good elevator pitch is an introduction that should last no longer than an elevator ride (20-30 seconds). It is supposed to be an interesting, memorable, and unique introduction. The fun thing is that everyone should have it! 

It is a great way to present yourself to prospective clients and make a connection with them by getting across a key point or two, but also, it is a great way to present yourself in everyday conversations. So, an elevator pitch is great for live eye-to-eye presentations. 

Step #3: Discuss Your Potential Relationship

Now that you got to know your clients, introduced yourself to them, and built your confidence, the next step is discussing your potential relationship. 

What you need to do is see if you both are on the same foot about your potential business. Give them a sense of security and trust. Show them seriousness and that they can rely on you. Remain human and try to create a personal connection. 

When you connect with your prospective clients on a more personal level, you are becoming able to understand them better, resolve their problems and have a mutual understanding. 

Talk about your common needs in business and create a plan. Ask them for feedback. Understand your clients hierarchy of needs, and continue communication until you are both satisfied with a potential relationship and your business plan. 

It is important to maintain mutual respect and understand the other person’s boundaries. Show appreciation and ask for feedback. Always try to exceed their expectations and be authentic. 

Step #4: Include a Call-to-Action

The last but not least step is calling your prospective clients to action. You can use a strong command word that provokes enthusiasm and emotions. Give your clients a reason why they should take that action. Be creative. 

In this Call-to-Action part of presenting yourself to prospective clients, you should keep in mind that it is necessary to use the right words. Personalize it, and get your prospective clients excited. 

The best Calls to Action are very specific and they create urgency. Make it crystal clear.

Let your prospective clients know how to contact you, and then follow up with them. 

Read more: CTA Theory: Why do We Use ‘Contact Me’ And Other Details We Need To Know About CTAs

In Conclusion

Now that you’re done reading this article, I’m really hoping you learned this essential skill that will help you both personally and professionally. Now you are able to present yourself to clients! And it is not that difficult, is it? Just takes a little bit of exploring, getting to know your client and their needs, a little bit more of finding your common connection(s), a pinch of understatement, a lot of politeness, and a very big amount of key messages you want to send. 

Until next time!