An Introvert's Guide to Client Meetings

Being labeled an introvert doesn't necessarily mean your not a "people person" but it does often mean that you will avoid human interaction whenever possible. Unfortunately in the creative world, people often like to meet face to face before handing you their business. For introverts like me, these meetings can cause an increase in stress and anxiety, yet are required to be successful. Here are a few tips I have learned along the way to help cope with the unnecessary fears of client meetings.

Make an Agenda
When you feel anxious, nervous or stressed out, your mind becomes more forgetful. It's always important to prepare an agenda with everything you want/need to cover in the meeting. This is also a good time to put yourself in the client's shoes and think of possible questions they might throw at you at different parts of the meeting. Use your agenda as a script and rehearse it prior to the meeting.

Meditate, Exercise or Yoga
The days and hours leading up to a meeting are often the most stressful. Even if you don't fit healthy activities like meditation and exercise into your daily life, you should definitely make time when your feeling stressed about a meeting. Being too stressed about a specific event can lead to more serious health problems like depression. Meditation will help relieve unnecessary concerns or doubts you may have which will give you a more positive attitude in your meeting. Exercise or yoga can relieve physical stress which will also help your mental attitude prior to a meeting.

Dress Your Style
I once worked with a guy that believed you always had to wear a suit if you wanted to be taken seriously. He was clearly not comfortable wearing suits and the one he always wore didn't fit right and made him look like he borrowed his pants from MC Hammer. The end result was him looking flushed and nervous in meetings while he was constantly wondering if the client thought he looked as unnatural as he felt.

It's always important to feel comfortable in a meeting. If you're a "creative type" (designer, developer, photographer etc.), people often even expect a more casual style. If your style is sweatpants and a hoodie, you will need to step it up a bit; you don't want to look like you wandered in straight out of bed. Best judgment should always be used in determining what is appropriate for each circumstance but remember that the more comfortable you feel, the more comfortable you will look when talking or presenting to your client.

Be Dynamic
It is often hard to gauge your client's attitude and personality prior to a meeting. You're client may be a straight to the point business shrew or a down to Earth free spirit. They might even be a freaking psychopath. Either way, you need to stay mentally present and be prepared to adjust your strategy. If the client mentions having a busy day, skip the small talk and get to the point. If your client is talkative, engage them in a conversation (but eventually get to your agenda). Being dynamic and on your feet will keep your client interested and result in a more happy client experience.

Gain Experience
Have a post meeting roundup and think about what worked well and what did not. Keep some type of record or journal that you can look at before future meetings to prepare. Every meeting will not be go as planned but as long as you learn from your mistakes and focus on you strengths, it won't be all for nothing.

Additional Reading

8 Essential Tips to Overcoming Shyness & Making a Good Impression

10 Phrases Every Freelance Should Kick-Out of Their Vocabulary

Meeting a New Client

10 Things you Need to Know About Your Prospects

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[photo by: tsuacctnt]

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