What to Do BEFORE Meeting with Potential Clients

In order to turn Brides-to-be into your clients, you need to make a great first impression. Meeting with prospects can be very intimidating for new wedding planners. Make sure to follow these 5 steps to help you prepare for your first meeting with a potential client.

1) Prepare, Prepare, and Prepare some more!  It's extremely important to make sure you prepare your pitch and materials in advance. Set a goal for your meeting, whether that's getting your client to sign a contract or simply getting them your marketing materials and portfolio in order to show your skills and credentials so that they keep you as a top consideration if they intend on meeting with other clients. Prepare all of the forms, contracts, or materials that you want to give to them and organize them neatly in a nice folder or portfolio notebook.

2) Be early, not late! As a wedding planner, it's extremely important to show that you are great with deadlines and schedules so nothing can be more detrimental than showing up late to your appointment with your potential clients. Check out the general traffic situations en route to your meeting location and remember to leave in plenty of time to arrive early.

3) Dress professionally and appropriately! You should wear something professional and look well-groomed for any appointments you have with potential clients, clients, and vendors. Whether it's a suit, a business dress, or an office trendy outfit, you should look clean and polished. If you carry a purse, bag, or briefcase, remember to have it clean and organized so you can find things quickly and easily. If a bride-to-be feels that you are unorganized or sloppy, they may feel that you will not be able to adequately plan and organize their wedding.

4) Stay calm and relaxed during the day before your meeting! It's important to avoid all stressful situations that can cause anxiety or negative feelings. These can be projected at your meeting and can cause you to not be focused on the task at hand. It's not the time to have a debate or discussion that can end up projecting itself during your meeting with potential clients.

5) Stay free of distractions! Nothing ticks me off more than when I see someone conducting a business meeting and forgetting to turn of their cell phone. This meeting is focused on gaining a client and nothing seems more rude than being interrupted during an important discussion or finances and planning the biggest day of a couple's lives together. Turn off your cell phone, put away your laptop or tablet, and focus directly on your potential clients.

Remember, it's so important to listen even more than you talk. Answer questions as they arise but don't be afraid to say "I don't know, I will have to find that out for you". It's better to tell the truth and sound eager to help than it is to lie and deceive about your connections or abilities.