Meeting with clients is an important part of freelance blogging for private clients. You need to get to know more about the individual, the company and the type of content the client wants. While emails are great, you want to discuss elements. There are three main options when it comes to meeting your clients, but which is the best one? Should you Skype, phone call or meet clients in person?
It really depends on a number of factors. All three can be beneficial, and here are some considerations to make.
Skyping for Long-Distance Clients
You could end up with clients from all over the world—or all over a large country. I have some clients in the UK, but many of them are in Russia, the United States and China! Meeting in person just isn’t possible, but Skype helps to bridge the gap.
There are different options with Skyping for meetings with clients. I’ve done interviews with the video, which has been great to virtually meet them in person. Some clients prefer to keep the video off, and just talk through the system. It’s like a virtual phone call, without all the charges.
Skyping is my preferred method if I can’t meet a client in person. And I prefer to use video. There’s just something about talking on the phone that I don’t like. I also have a recorder, especially for interviews.
Phone Calls for the Non-Technically Friendly
There have been a small number of clients who don’t have Skype. Some of them aren’t technically friendly, and struggled enough just to get their website up and running. They often have small, local businesses, and prefer to work with people in person as much as possible.
The problem is they’re not always close by to meet with me in person. Or our business times don’t suit.
Phone calls are better when it comes to discussing after the initial meeting. I’ve contacted clients by phone to clarify something quickly or to follow up with a question. It’s quicker and easier than email.
It’s not the best for initial meetings, though, in my personal opinion. Connection issues, muffled voices and quiet people can make it very difficult to understand everything. It can also cost a fortune if you don’t have a phone plan to cover these calls.
Meeting With Clients in Person
This is definitely my preferred method where possible, but only works if you live close by. I’m willing to travel a little to get to clients, and it is possible to claim fuel costs as tax deductible when getting to these meetings. Many of my clients also appreciate the convenience of booking a meeting room singapore for a comfortable and professional space to collaborate.
My most common meetings are in Glasgow city centre, and I always get the train for them. I keep my train receipts and claim them back. I have a meeting with a client today, but is local enough for me to walk. There have been times I’ve offered to travel through to Edinburgh, as long as the times fit in. A 45-60 minute train journey doesn’t really bother me. I take my tablet and get on with some work on the journey.
It’s definitely not always possible to meet clients in person, but there are benefits. I get to know more about the client and there’s something refreshing about meeting someone physically with the way technology is growing.
When meeting in person isn’t possible, Skype is usually the second best option. It’s free and you can set times that work for both. There’s even a chat box to allow you to write out things that are difficult to spell. I’ve used it plenty of times to offer direct links to make it a lot easier for the client to find something in the future. I can also record my Skype sessions on the computer, so can check back later.
Find a method that you prefer to work with. With more clients living further away from you, you may find that Skype works better. It all depends on the nature of your writing, and the type of clients you’re working with.
How do you prefer to talk with clients? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
