That First Meeting about the Project
View CommentsSo you’ve settled with the client on the fact that you’ll be doing the work. You’re about to meet to go over what the project is about. Communication now is critical — to the project and your relatioship. Listen actively to what the client is and is not saying. Use questions to draw a line that defines the project in details that you agree upon.
Using unexpected questions will often lead clients to consider parts of the project that they haven’t talked about. Use questions such as these.to get a deeper understanding of your new client and what your new client expects.
- How do you define failure and success?
- What do your vendors do that drives you bonkers?
- What are the most difficult parts of this job?
- What worries you most that I might get wrong?
- What kind of miscommunications might happen?
- What sort of sample might I do to make sure we’re shooting at the same target?
Liz Strauss
Be sure to take notes where your client can see you doing so, and before you go, read them back to review. That will get you and your client even closer to the same ideal. Agree upon a short sample so that you can look at something together before you’ve invested too much time. The sample will flush still other fine points that you still haven’t agree upon.
Once you’ve reviewed the sample you and your client have a solid plan. Both of you can move forward with confidence that the work will be what is expected. A great relationship has started. Congratulations!
Liz Strauss
Behind every Successful business is an Outstanding Manager. — PVM
See also Work with Liz! at Successful Blog
