Currently when I go on a call to a prospective client I bring with me a folder consisting of the following:
3-5 print outs of recent designs I’m proud of
2 page feature & benefit list of “What’s Included With Every website We Build”
A one page document entitled “What Your Website Should be Doing For Your Business”
A one page document entitled “10 Way to Supercharge Your Website in 24 Hours”
My business card
I toss this all in a white folder and leave this for each client that I meet with.
It seems effective but I’m not convinced it leaves the client with the most professional impression of myself and my company. After all, each item (except the business card) is just printed from the in-office inkjet about 20 minutes before leaving for the meeting.
I would like to spruce up the entire package but I’m unsure what would be the best way to do that. I thought about an 8 page booklet, but obviously those would have to be pre-printed and wanted to get some other thoughts before committing to that. Can anyone give some ideas or lend some insight into what you leave behind with your prospective clients?
I think what you are currently leaving behind to your prospects after a sales call is just about right. The key here is not to overwhelm them with too much of information and to have a robust follow up system in place.
As for the presentation of the information (printed off your office printer or have a nice booklet), you should really conduct a test before switching it completely. Give each material 10 prospects and see which of them ended up bringing in more clients.
Thanks for the reassurance. I think I just need to work on the presentation of the entire packet. It just doesn’t look as professional as I’d like it to.
[FONT=verdana]Yes, I also think it’s about right. Personally, I wouldn’t go with a booklet. I’d prefer a set of single sheets, placed in a plastic folder of some kind. Nothing too elaborate.
The only other suggestion is to perhaps skip the business card. All the other material would be A4, and a business card would probably get lost in it. In the old days, we had all kinds of little holders and wallets for storing business cards, but they seem to have fallen out of use now.
Just make sure your contact details are prominently displayed in the other material, preferably on every page.
Mike,
Thanks for the input. I’m leaning towards staying with the folder idea. The folders have a couple of notches in the front pouch to hold my business card.
I’m now considering having my own folders printed to incorporate my own branding and then using a higher quality paper for my inserted sheets. I think this will give me the most professional appearance while still allowing me to update and switch out certain items without having to reprint an entire book.
[FONT=verdana]A pouch to hold the business card sounds like a good idea. My worry was that the card could easily get lost amongst the papers, but the pouch should solve that.
The custom folder and higher-quality paper would also be good.