I accepted a zoom coffee invite yesterday. Everything went well. We both gave an intro, and talked about ourselves. We followed up with a conversation about our children. This took no more than 6 or 7 minutes.
And then I asked them to tell me about their business. What followed was a 15 - 20 minute speech about what they did and why. At no point was there room or an opportunity for me to add to the conversation and ask a question. There were no pauses where I could share my knowledge and contribute to the conversation.
Once they found a moment to stop and breathe, I added that I agreed with what they had to say. I then asked another question, thinking we would now exchange some thoughts on the subject, and I would have my turn at sharing information about myself. Nope, they continued to talk for another 15 minutes, and this was that deciding moment when I realised this person wasn't showing me any signs that they were interested in what I had to say or to learn about my business. They appeared to have more interest in telling me about theirs.
When it comes to Zoom meetings, just like in-person meetings, there's an unwritten rule of etiquette that many people are unaware of. If you're someone who spends time on Zoom and invites potential clients for virtual coffee chats, I want to share with you my ten helpful tips you can follow to create a positive impression and successfully convert potential clients into actual clients.
Ines' ten tips for building strong relationships with potential clients on zoom:
Before the meeting, set an intention for what you hope to achieve from the conversation. This will help you stay focused and ensure that the meeting is productive.
Remember that the meeting is not a race, so take your time to get to know the other person and their business.
Pay attention to the Zoom room and take cues from the other person's body language and facial expressions. This will help you gauge their level of interest and engagement.
Ask questions to show that you're interested in the other person and their business. This will also help keep the conversation balanced and engaging for both parties.
Instead of trying to sell your own business, aim to have a genuine conversation and build a relationship with the other person.
Avoid making yourself the most important person in the room and instead focus on listening and learning from the other person.
Have at least two key points about yourself and your business that you'd like the other person to remember after the meeting.
Remember that the meeting should be a give-and-take, with both parties contributing to the conversation.
Take a deep breath and pause before responding to ensure that you're able to respond thoughtfully and intentionally.
End the meeting with a clear statement of gratitude, such as "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today."
To effectively sell your product or service, it's crucial to understand that people are not only purchasing what you have to offer but also you as the seller. In other words, buyers are investing in you before investing in your product or service.
Selling yourself and your product or service effectively on Zoom requires a combination of communication skills, attentiveness, and relationship-building.
By following these ten tips and remembering the importance of personal connections, you can make a positive impression, showcase your expertise, and ultimately convert potential clients into paying customers.
Good luck and keep practising.
Ines x