| The first step in information technology | | | | client's needs and responding with the best |
| consultant projects is initial client | | | | plan for you as an information technology |
| contact. The client's first impression of | | | | consultant based on the details you receive. |
| you will help him decide if he is going to | | | | Make sure the client knows he is of the |
| sign a contract, so the beginning | | | | utmost importance in this process.This |
| consultations are critical.The BeginningEach | | | | meeting also requires the presence of the |
| projects starts well before the contract is | | | | major decision makers in the company. While |
| signed. You need to figure out what your | | | | this is not always possible, you should |
| goals are during initial contact with the | | | | encourage it in future meetings to ease the |
| client, and plan out the first meeting with | | | | process.The final goal of the first meeting |
| this prospect should be well planned so that | | | | between a business and you as an information |
| a decision can be reached quickly and | | | | technology consultant is to get a decision |
| favorably.Contacting the ClientTypically a | | | | about the project. You might not be needed |
| client will make first contact with an | | | | at this time, or the client might want to |
| information technology consultant by phone or | | | | move forward. A client might also need to |
| e-mail. This moment is the first impression | | | | meet again with decision makers on his own to |
| for the prospect of you and your company and | | | | make a final decision. Regardless, you need |
| should be treated carefully. If you can't | | | | to get a solid commitment and, if necessary a |
| make a connection during this time, there | | | | scheduled meeting out of the client before |
| will never be a first meeting.During this | | | | you leave.Preparing for the initial contact |
| first contact period, an information | | | | with a client will assure that the steps in |
| technology consultant is also interviewing | | | | the process towards signing a contract go as |
| the client; if he can't meet his needs, he | | | | smoothly as possible.Copyright MMI-MMVII, |
| shouldn't pursue the project. If the project | | | | Computer Consulting 101. All Worldwide Rights |
| seems feasible, the information technology | | | | Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live |
| consultant can get all the information | | | | hyperlink in author resource box required for |
| required for the first meeting. You need to | | | | copyright compliance}Joshua Feinberg, |
| start to determine the problem and the reason | | | | co-founder of Computer Consulting 101, helps |
| the client is coming to you to determine an | | | | computer consulting business owners get more |
| initially short plan.First MeetingThe | | | | steady, high-paying clients. Learn how you |
| ultimate goal of a first client meeting is to | | | | can too. Sign-up now for your free access to |
| build a relationship, which will require open | | | | field-tested, proven computer consulting |
| and honest communication. You are not giving | | | | secrets at Computer Consulting 101. |
| a presentation, rather listening to your | | | | |