Imagine yourself in front of a potential new customer, with just one hour to gain their trust and demonstrate your expertise. In this short space of time, every question asked becomes a strategic tool, every answer a mine of valuable information. This balancing act requires precision and open-mindedness, technical skill and empathy, leadership and attentive listening.
This presentation of essential questions will guide you not only toward quickly identifying your clients’ needs, but also toward creating an authentic connection. Because behind every remodeling project lies a unique personal story, aspirations to be realized and sometimes emotional challenges to be overcome.
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Don’t assume a potential customer knows everything about the service you offer. That first conversation is your opportunity to get them excited about hiring your business, so make time to take them through how a project would pan out.
“Clients often underestimate the technique, rigor and commitment required as an interior designer, thinking just a moodboard does the trick,” Eude says. “Explaining the process and the boundaries of the service agreed upon ensures everyone is clear about roles.”
Interior designer Lindsey Higgins goes through a sales process with all her leads to make sure they understand what she would offer at each stage of the project.
“It’s a pathway with touch points to explore their needs, how I can help and how I work,” Higgins says. “It helps us both to work out if we’re a good fit to work together, because that’s critical to achieving the right outcome for a client.
“I always know where the prospect is on that journey and I always make sure they know what the next step is,” she says. “Signing a contract only happens at the end when there are no more questions to be answered.”
10 Questions to Quickly Identify Your Customers’ Needs