Meeting Client for First Time!

[dave_webb]

So this is the first time I'm actually going to meet a client face to face (I am a web designer).

Basically I don't know what I should wear, a suit or smart casual clothes? Bear in mind it is in Canary Wharf - London so most people up there would be wearing suites. But does wearing a suit make me look less "creative". Perhaps just a shirt and black trousers with out the suit coat would be ok?

Also, should I bring my laptop or just paper?

What would you expect me to turn up wearing if you wear my client?

Thanks!

 

[LicensedToTrade]

In most situations a suit with shirt and tie would be the most appropriate, but it seems to be a bit of a grey area for creative types. In the past I've had them turning up in anything from a suit, all the way down to jeans and a t-shirt.

I'm quite traditional in this regard and ideally I'd like anyone who comes to see me to take my money dressed in a suit. I don't for a second assume that a web designer will be wearing a suit on a typical day at work, but I see the suit as a sign of respect. I in turn would always wear a suit as respect goes both ways.

Opinion on the whole varies greatly depending on who you ask. If you aren't used to wearing a suit it will show, so if you can find a common ground that is respectful as well as comfortable then you will do alright.

First impressions are important, but it's also important that you have the content to back up the spiel. Bring your laptop, you just don't know what your client will ask you in terms of 'ah, can you show me xyz'. Have your concepts mounted on to thin foamex boards, make sure you logo is on the corner of these boards and be sure to leave them with the client.

 

[iksol]

It's becoming more and more acceptable these days to wear a suit, but lose the tie.

Canary Wharf included.

 

[Richard Glynn]

It's becoming more and more acceptable these days to wear a suit, but lose the tie.

Canary Wharf included.

Iksol's right. Better still be yourself. If you're trussed up in posh clobber, it could make you feel uncomfortable. Be presentable but genuine.

I've been in meetings where creatives were in t-shirts and baseball trainers. And the clients loved it because they thought they were getting the inside track on the creative process.

As for laptop or paper. Take what you need. But avoid frantically taking notes if you can. Listen to what is said. And from time to time summarise verbally whilst writing brief notes to confirm understanding. There is nothing more irritating than speaking to the top of someone's head as they frantically type or write every word you say - like they used to in school. Meetings are a powerful opportunity for one to one engagement. So maximise that opportunity.

But above all, be yourself.

 

[marketingquotes]

Hi There,

Best thing to do is be yourself.

Be smart but do not try to hard; therefore a suit is fine but open collar and no tie.

Take what you need, being a web designer the client would expect a laptop.

It sounds like an informal meeting so just relax and roll with the flow.

Regards,

Marketing Quotes Support

 

[dave_webb]

Hi There,

Best thing to do is be yourself.

Be smart but do not try to hard; therefore a suit is fine but open collar and no tie.

Take what you need, being a web designer the client would expect a laptop.

It sounds like an informal meeting so just relax and roll with the flow.

Regards,

Marketing Quotes Support

Shall I wear a suit jacket?

 

[DavidHorn]

yes - wear a suit, jacket and trousers - lose the tie. Make sure your (white) shirt is pressed and clean, and that your shoes are polished. Prepare for a hot meeting room - always better to be cold than sweaty!

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

A suit without a tie. It's the formal dress code taken down a notch, that's all.

It's actually quite surprising how much losing the tie can make a difference. It takes your outfit to a level inbetween formal businesswear and smart dresswear.

 

[shadesofblue]

Shall I wear a suit jacket?

I wouldn't worry to much. The mandatory uniform of NHS glasses, T shirt and jeans will no show how creative you are.

If the person you're meeting has any experience with web designers they will also be happy to make allowances for your inability to hold a conversation on a face to face basis, lack of eye contact and general social awkwardness

 

[RevaxMedia]

If the person you're meeting has any experience with web designers they will also be happy to make allowances for your inability to hold a conversation on a face to face basis, lack of eye contact and general social awkwardness

- I suppose he should thank his client for the recent exposure to sunlight too, Shadesofblue?

I currently meet clients on a regular basis, Due to Revax Media offering a free consultation I need to wear a suit to give off the correct first impressions and from there I always tend to wear a suit in future appointments in order to have consistency. I tend to use an iPad for my demonstrations or macbook air, purely based upon they are small. Always make sure they are charged too!

It all depends on the relationship you have had with the client. Personally again, I would go for a suit, tie or no tie, that's up to you.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[shadesofblue]

- I suppose he should thank his client for the recent exposure to sunlight too, Shadesofblue?

Excellent idea, It's the simple touches that seal the deal.

 

[Steve Sellers]

Bear in mind it is in Canary Wharf - London so most people up there would be wearing suites. But does wearing a suit make me look less "creative".

I'm a big believer in dressing on the same level as your client. Although if I were the customer I would want you to dress according to how much i am paying you. I.E. if you are charging a fortune I would expect you to make the effort and wear a suit.

 

[Y.Gunay]

So this is the first time I'm actually going to meet a client face to face (I am a web designer).

Basically I don't know what I should wear, a suit or smart casual clothes? Bear in mind it is in Canary Wharf - London so most people up there would be wearing suites. But does wearing a suit make me look less "creative". Perhaps just a shirt and black trousers with out the suit coat would be ok?

Also, should I bring my laptop or just paper?

What would you expect me to turn up wearing if you wear my client?

Thanks!

What are you comfortable with, did they see you with a suit before arranging a meeting face to face.
You should concentrate on your work which made you stand out, keep this in mind (never out shine your master) get them to talk more so you get all the information you require because your tailoring for their needs take previous works which you think would attract them.
Important to know a bit about the company's history do your research and point good comments about their company on the meeting.

 

[SEO Lady]

Don't wear jeans and a suit jacket

Kidding, suit without tie seems accepted by all.

Last face to face meeting I had I wore a white linen outfit and took along my iPad as well as a presenter with pen and notepaper (and business cards).

Good luck, please pop back on and let us know how it went!

Nina

 

[alice_p]

I'd say a suit without a tie, but I always feel it's better to be a little overdressed than too casual.

 

[dave_webb]

In the end I wore the suit, with a tie and everything. Guess what... they were both wearing t-shirts lol. I was bit over dressed but still I think it showed I was serious and I got the project

Just thought I'd let you all know

thanks for the advice!

 

[leepaulkennedy]

Just before I read the last post I was going to say go in a t-shirt and jeans (or whatever you feel most comfortable in) people's skills are more important then what they are wearing.

 

[iksol]

Just before I read the last post I was going to say go in a t-shirt and jeans (or whatever you feel most comfortable in) people's skills are more important then what they are wearing.

Although I agree with this in general, when you're trying to win the gig the rules are slightly different.

Whatever you think, the way you dress demonstrates your intentions, shows your respect for the other party, and displays your status and self-esteem.

Of course, your body language and attitude is also just as important, maybe more so. But don't under-estimate the influence of your dress. I would have still lost the tie, no need for that these days.

Once you've got the gig, then dress down.

 

[LicensedToTrade]

In the end I wore the suit, with a tie and everything. Guess what... they were both wearing t-shirts lol. I was bit over dressed but still I think it showed I was serious and I got the project

Just thought I'd let you all know

thanks for the advice!

Typical.

I'd still have stuck with the suit. Congrats on getting the client, make sure you ask them for some feedback on why they chose you...this won't seem an odd question to them.

 

[TheBlogshop]

Congratulations on winning the project, Dave.

I just wanted to give my two cents and the rule I always abide by - always wear the clothes where you can guarantee won't feel out of place in.

For example, if I'm going to a meeting with a client, I'll always wear a suit, but without a tie. It's a business meeting, I know they'll be in business clothes, so I'll dress accordingly.

If I'm going to a meeting with a colleague, I know for a fact that it's going to be informal, so I'd consider wearing a jeans and t-shirt.

If I was uncertain about how formal or informal the meeting was going to be - like your situation - I'd always go for the suit, without a tie, as I know that I'm not going to be under-dressed (and as long as you don't go for a tux and bow tie type suit, you won't look over-dressed, either).

The tie thing for me is completely an individual choice. I've never liked wearing a tie at anything but particularly formal occasions and believe that a suit and shirt can look just as good as a suit, shirt and tie.

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

I had a meeting at the House of Commons and put on a tie. 99% of people in there had ties on. I had a second meeting at Dept for Culture Media and Sport and it was half/half and a third meeting at Sport England and didn't see a tie on anyone!

That's London for you...

 

[Seneca]

In the end I wore the suit, with a tie and everything. Guess what... they were both wearing t-shirts lol. I was bit over dressed but still I think it showed I was serious and I got the project

Just thought I'd let you all know

thanks for the advice!

rofl

That made me chuckle. Congratulations by the way

 

[am:pm graphics]

Glad you got the job I would Keep with the suit and shirt for future meetings in I were you. A suit and shirt outfit can still be creative!

Pauline

 

[LicensedToTrade]

Glad you got the job I would Keep with the suit and shirt for future meetings in I were you. A suit and shirt outfit can still be creative!

Pauline

Especially if you make it out of old curtains...

 

[Sport & Outdoor]

Just relax,I have met many customers,they are all very kind,wear a suit is all right.

 

[TrumpiaTim]

As a designer, I would recommend business casual to show that you're serious about your craft but not overly formal as I just don't see creative people dressing like that haha.

 

[BowlerHat]

Congratulations!

As for your outfit, most people say "suit without the tie" but I always wear "a tie without a suit".

A good quality shirt and tie you can carry off anything. Then, I know I'm able to wear jeans and any suitable footwear to match - usually shoes. Unless you're going the whole hog I think that suit-jackets are naff.

 

[LicensedToTrade]

Congratulations!

As for your outfit, most people say "suit without the tie" but I always wear "a tie without a suit".

A good quality shirt and tie you can carry off anything. Then, I know I'm able to wear jeans and any suitable footwear to match - usually shoes. Unless you're going the whole hog I think that suit-jackets are naff.

Jeans, shirt and tie? REALLY?

Oh dear, you must look like Jeremy Clarkson

 

[BowlerHat]

Jeans, shirt and tie? REALLY?

Oh dear, you must look like Jeremy Clarkson

Yeh - REALLY.

I'm half his age and wear cool gear.