Q #27: What are the best questions to ask before every meeting with a client?

In this series, Bob Morris poses a key question and then responds to it with material from one or more of the business books he has reviewed for Amazon and Borders.

Andrew Sobel is the author of All for One: 10 Strategies for Building Trusted Client Relationships. In it, he offers excellent advice. For example, what are the best questions to ask before any meeting with a client?

1. What does the client expect to accomplish when we meet?

2. What are my own expectations?

3. What else might also be discussed?

4. Who else may also participate in the meeting? Why?

5. Am I fully prepared for this meeting, no matter what happens?

6. Must any information, documentation, material, etc. be provided in advance?

7. What are probably the client’s most serious concerns at the moment? How can I help address them?

8. What are the most thought-provoking questions I need to have answered?

9. If nothing else, what must be accomplished by the end of this meeting?

10. In all probability, what follow-uo initiatives will be necessary?

Here is a link to Sobel’s Web site: http://www.andrewsobel.com/

Comments, questions, requests, or suggestions? Please share them. They will be most welcome and I thank you for them. Best regards, Bob

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