Comments on: How to behave in a client meeting

By: Chaim Duke

Chaim Duke — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:42:47 +0000

One more reason to use a mac

By: 2008’s top ten Strive Notes | Strive Notes

2008’s top ten Strive Notes | Strive Notes — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:47:14 +0000

[...] New to agency life and want to know how to behave in a client meeting? Check this post [...]

By: July’s fave five | Strive Notes

July’s fave five | Strive Notes — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:03:39 +0000

[...] How to behave in a client meeting was first posted in January but saw a boost in popularity recently. Could it be that new grads [...]

By: Sherrilynne

Sherrilynne — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:44:01 +0000

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion Rita. You make some very valid points. I especially like your advice to senior folks. Quite right.

By: Rita

Rita — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:08:15 +0000

From the “better to comment late, than never” file, because this post has stayed in my mind ever since I first read it.

Stuff that I wish I did before I sat in on a client meeting:

1)Find out from your supervisor what is expected from you.
Will you be asked to participate in any way?
Will you be asked for your opinions?
What kind of opinions? Will you be expected to give advice about media relations, product placement, generating word-of-mouth buzz? Will you be asked to write releases, or media advisories?

What’s going to be your role after the meeting? This will help you stay sharp and pick up information during the meeting that you’ll need to use while working on client work.

2) Ask how you can best prepare for the meeting.
Are there any project reports you may read before hand? What about the communications plan?

3) Take time to do some research about the client on your own if time permits. That means, get on the PC at home and do Google or Yahoo searches.

4) A pleasant smile, and polite demeanor covers for a lot of nothing! That is–if you haven’t a clue, at least you can look sharp, look special. Don’t ruin the illusion by opening your yap. Be courtly and/or courteous and act attentive. Dress professionally.

Now some advice for the senior folks, who invited the newbie to attend the meeting–don’t just dangle them out there, like a worm on a hook! You’re responsible for the meeting. A little direction before the client meeting will go a long, long way.

The bottom line is communication. If you are asked to attend a meeting it’s a good idea to find out, why me? If you are asking a junior associate to attend a meeting with you—help them out a little, will ya!

By: sherrilynne

sherrilynne — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:24:07 +0000

Jill I take your point, but I have to differ with you. There are lots of stupid questions. Lots. You don’t yet understand your client’s politics. You don’t know what’s been discussed before. You might hear a term that although is new to you, is actually pretty basic. “What’s a telco?”

Believe me, it’s true, a shut mouth hides…you know the rest.

By: Jill

Jill — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:13:04 +0000

I think you offer some great advice for people who are new to the world of client meetings. However, I’d recommend asking for clarification on anything you don’t understand rather than making note of it. While some discretion is necessary, there are few stupid questions that new people can ask.