What is your process when meeting with a potential client for the first time? When a potential client asks you to make a site visit and provide (free) advice, how do you respond? I'll explain the solution in the video below. An architect client consultation is beneficial to both parties.
It can be a balancing act to both establish your ‘rules' and expectations and secure the project.
The easiest way to handle any requests for free advice is to incorporate the LCC, or Low-Commitment Consultation, into your marketing strategy and outline your terms and conditions upfront with every client. This eliminates the risk of misunderstandings and fee haggling and quickly puts everyone on the same page.
It's imperative to use the initial client meeting as an opportunity to sell your LCC, if you haven't already. After all, the LCC ensures that the client is educated and prepared and that you get paid for every minute worked.
In the video below, I received a question from a current client of the Architect Marketing Institute about how to use the first meeting to sell the architect client consultation.
An architect client consultation is best for everyone.
I hope this helps you to gain a bit of clarity and confidence when selling your architecture services. Another way to increase quality for your clients, and to improve the likelihood of winning the project, is to offer different levels of service (or tiered services). This way offers more flexibility and sets expectations.
If you've decided to try out this strategy, let me know how it goes in the comments below. Good luck and Happy Marketing!