How to Run a Kick Ass Client Meeting

Getting bogged down in bad client meetings can always put a strain on motivation. And nothing is worse for a web designer than lack of motivation. The best way to beat the dreaded bad client meeting is to actively prepare to make it the highlight of your day.

What’s the point?

The first thing you’re going to want to nail down is the purpose of the meeting. Don’t meet for the sake of meeting or for a “status update.” Clarify with the client the point of the meeting and what needs to be accomplished.

Would you drive to the grocery store for no reason? I hope not. You’d go to re-stock your pantry or fridge. That’s a purpose.

Build an agenda

Put together a simple list of bulleted items that you need to cover. This should tie in with the purpose of the meeting. Meetings can quickly get out of hand and go all over the place if you don’t know what to focus on. Having a list will give you laser-like precision in your talking points and will even serve as a life preserver should you start to sink in the middle of the meeting.

Identify takeaways

Typically, after a meeting has concluded, some sort of action needs to be taken. Formulate these actions before you meet. Do you anticipate finishing a web prototype after meeting with the client? Do you expect to have the project completed once the meeting is over and need to send a final invoice? If you can identify these key takeaways beforehand, then you’ll know what goals to keep in mind.

Get visual

Most meetings rely on auditory presentation. You listen to the client speak and the client listens to you speak. Many people just aren’t very adept at this style of learning, though. For some people, they need visuals. It could be flowcharts, diagrams, mock-ups, and so forth. If possible, prepare some kind of visual presentation that can assist you in the meeting.

Make sure your work is done

If you’re meeting during the course of a project, make sure your work is at the level your client expects it to be at. It’s unprofessional and potentially dangerous to walk into a meeting and not be able to show the client progress. That can kill your relationship with the client and lead you down a path of misery. Get the work done ahead of time.

Over deliver

If you’re showing the client your progress, try to go beyond what they were expecting. In fact, try to completely blow their expectations out of the water. Nothing surprises (in a good way) clients more than a vendor who goes out of their way to deliver an awesome result. And they’ll remember it.

Answer questions before they’re asked

Think about all the possible questions a client could ask during the meeting and then answer them. If you’re showing the client something that could break, try to break it yourself first. The key is to be prepared. Have a response ready so you’re not left looking like a fool.

Communicate beforehand

Don’t be afraid to communicate with a client before a meeting. If you have questions or concerns, raise them. It could even curb the need for a meeting. Unless your client has nothing to do, they’ll appreciate saving time.