How to Prepare for a Successful Discovery Call
Rolande Sumner, PCC, ELI-MP, CTDS
Veteran | Leadership & Professional Development Coach and Consultant | Experienced Leader and People Manager
Do you think you'd be keen to capitalize on your discovery call? Prior planning is fundamental to success. A discovery call will allow you to formulate the pertinent questions and confirm that the prospective client suits your offerings. You can guarantee a desirable outcome by investing time in readying and rehearsing for your call. Here are a few ideas to help you be primed for your discovery call, for example, rehearsing your script, having your agreement ready, making payment methods available, and briefing the onboarding process of your client.
Practice Your Script
I think it's essential to practice your script for the discovery call before you begin. A well-prepared script will help you guide the conversation and ensure you and the client understand the call. Remember, during a discovery call, you should gather all the necessary information about the client and their needs to meet them better. By practicing your script, you can ensure that the call goes smoothly and that all the questions you need to ask are addressed. Also, you need to familiarize yourself with the terminology used in the industry, as this will help you communicate more clearly with your client. Doing a practice run-through of your script before the discovery call will also help you feel more confident in your communication skills and ensure the call goes off without a hitch.
Get Your Contract Ready
A discovery call is the first step in creating a successful business relationship with a potential client. Before your discovery call, please make sure your contract is ready. The agreement should cover all important points discussed during the call, such as services offered, pricing, deadlines, and other vital details.?
It's essential to have a clear understanding between both parties to provide your client with the best service possible. Make sure you are transparent about the terms of your contract and explain how it will benefit them. Additionally, include any contingencies that may apply if your client fails to fulfill their end of the agreement.?
By preparing your contract before your discovery call, you set yourself up for success. Please make sure that everything is outlined carefully so that there are no misunderstandings between you and your potential client. A well-crafted contract can help build trust and make it easier for both parties to proceed with the agreement.
Prepare Your Payment Options
When you are ready for a discovery call, it's essential to have your payment options prepared ahead of time. This will allow you to transition from the discovery call to the payment stage easily. Please consider which payment options work best for your client and ensure you understand each option's process.?
One of the most popular payment options is through credit cards. This is a convenient and secure way for clients to pay; however, it can also lead to a more extended wait period for processing payments. Depending on the situation, other payment options, such as PayPal, bank transfer, and checks, may be more suitable.?
Setting up automated billing systems can be beneficial for services requiring recurring payments. Automatic billing allows you to set up scheduled payments with your client and ensures consistent revenue streams.?
Once you've decided on a payment option, could you ensure you are familiar with the process for each option and have all the necessary materials ready for the discovery call? By preparing your payment options, you can move forward with the onboarding process quickly and efficiently. This is an essential step in ensuring success during your discovery call.
Brief the Onboarding Process to Your Client
When you’re on your discovery call, providing a comprehensive overview of your onboarding process is essential. By describing the steps involved in your onboarding process, you can set the client’s expectations and help them understand the value they will receive.
First, you need to create a timeline that outlines each step of the onboarding process, including the duration of each step. This timeline should include everything from gathering necessary documents to making any needed customizations or changes. Providing a timeline also shows the client that you are organized and prepared.
You should also take a look at any additional services that may be included in the onboarding process. For example, have these details if you offer training sessions or support services. Consider offering free resources to help the client get started.
Finally, don’t forget to discuss payment terms and how the client will receive invoices for their services. This helps ensure that both parties are on the same page about billing and that the client understands what they’re signing up for.
By taking the time to brief the onboarding process during your discovery call, you can help ensure a successful relationship with your client. Doing so sets expectations and helps establish trust between you and your client. Make sure to take all necessary steps when preparing for your discovery call so that you can optimize success.