If for whatever reason you have an upcoming meeting with a client, you’re going to want to make sure things go smoothly. But what exactly can you do to ensure that the client is impressed? How do you know whether or not you’re ready to hold your meeting?

Especially if this is a new client, you’ll want to make sure that the meeting goes without a hitch. Here are some tips that will help make sure that it all goes well.

Hire a Caterer

Even if you’re only planning on talking for 15 minutes, you should seriously consider hiring a corporate caterer for your meeting. You’ll be able to reap the benefits of hiring a professional caterer that will deliver quality food made from seasonal ingredients.

Check out their website and social media to see if they have great food presentation skills as well as a reputation for making delicious food that will delight your guests and leave them in a good mood. Food is a great way to boost people’s spirits and make them more receptive to talking.

You’re making a big mistake if you don’t at least offer coffee and treats during a client meeting.

Be Prepared

You may have the food down but if you are unorganized and unprepared during the meeting that will be obvious. Part of being confident is about being prepared. Make sure that you:

• Are clear on the details of the meeting – when and where – and that everyone knows where they are going
• Have any paperwork you may need
• Have made a list of talking points
• Have your presentation prepared and ready to go (if you have one, that is)
• Make sure IT sets up the room beforehand
• Dress to impress
• Make sure the office is clean and presentable
• Study the client – who they are, their history, their needs and expectations, etc.

If you look professional and provide information that says you know what you are talking about, you’re more likely to gain the trust of your clients. Whether they are new or returning, it’s important in order to build strong relationships with them so that they will want to buy your products or services.

Be Confident – But Not Overly So

While it’s good to be confident, you shouldn’t be trying too hard – it’s just obvious and can be annoying. No one likes a show off, after all, and you don’t need to be the one taking up all of the conversation.

Let your client do most of the talking, and show your confidence by having a strategic answer that will impress. Think about what you say before you say it, and don’t feel like you have to rush to respond. Otherwise, the desperation might just reek off you, and it will make you generally unattractive to the client.

Keep the Meeting Focused

While small talk at the beginning of the meeting is fine, make sure it’s short and sweet. Move into the meeting at a solid pace, and make sure that it doesn’t go too far off track or that time gets away. After all, your client might not be happy if they are kept later than what was intended.