When it comes right down to it, video production is about relationships. Yes, you need skills to produce a project, but if you can't find anyone willing to hire you, then it's going to be pretty tough to make a living. Impressing a client is a crucial element that will help you get repeat business, as well as referrals. With that in mind, here are five tips to impress your next client.
1. Be Prepared
It seems obvious, but being prepared is essential if you want your client to have confidence in your ability. It's important that you show the client that you value their time, and that you are being as efficient as possible. This means showing up prepared for meetings, as well as planning out shoots to minimize down time. It also means giving your client a realistic timeline for the project that you can stick to, so don't promise the world if you can't deliver it.
2. Consider the Client's Ideas
As video professionals, we might hesitate at incorporating a client's idea into a project. But the truth is, the client is the boss, and we all want to make our bosses happy. So you should carefully consider any idea your client suggests, and attempt to implement it, so long as it's not going to negatively impact the project. The client will be more likely to give final approval if they feel like they have their stamp on the work.
3. Leave Some Tricks in Your Bag
Occasionally, you may have a great idea to really enhance a project, and you want to scream it to the world! However, I usually like to have a trick or two up my sleeve that the client isn't expecting in the final project. Once you've told the client about an idea they'll expect to see it in the project, but surprising them with a couple brilliant touches when they view the final project for the first time can really put their response over the top.
4. Be Responsive
We all lead busy lives, and some of us have to juggle many clients at one time. The trick is to always be responsive to your client. If you're busy, and you receive an email or phone call from the client, get back to them as quickly as possible, even if it's a quick callback to tell them when you'll have more time to discuss their project. Keeping open and honest communication is by far one of the easiest ways to keep your client happy.
I've been told numerous times by clients that they loved the final product, but that the most important aspect for them was actually the ease of producing it. In fact, the way the client feels about the process is often one of the biggest factors that affects their ultimate opinion of the product, so remember these tips as you forge through your next project.
Image Courtesy of Bigstock.com
Greg Olson, Videomaker's Associate Multimedia Editor