Meeting an employer... what to expect?

[SubwayDesigns]

I received an email from a local media company interested in hiring my freelance services. They asked me for a meeting... which kind of embarasses me as I really have no clue about what they're going to ask, what I should ask in return, what I should wear, what meeting place I should propose, etc...? Never been to any meeting involving my work before, so I'm a bit nervous.

Would anyone like to share his experiences, or give some advice?

Thanks!

-s.

[Owen Sutton]

Do your research. Get into the 'mindset' of the client. Understand what they're all about, what style the'r work is, who their clients are...

If they wear suits to work then wear a suit, if they wear jeans, then jeans.

Let them suggest a location. Neutral ground would be good - quiet bar maybe.

Prepare a portfolio, if you haven't done already. Have it online, have it on CD, have printed screen shots of work - cover every angle. Have you got a laptop? If so load your portfolio onto it and take it with you.

Have a think about what you'd like to charge before you arrive, or at least have a realistic range. If what they're offering falls beneath that minumum figure, politely decline and walk away - they'll may give you a call the next day with more cash.

Ultimately, dont panic. You the man. You've got the skills. It's up to them if they want to buy. Go in with the attitude that you're doing them a favour (but don't be arrogant about it - quiet confidence is what you need).

Good luck.

[SubwayDesigns]

thanks for the advice; very helpful... thing is on this one I have very little information about the company; hard to do the research part, but I'll do my best at all the other points you mentionned

[vampstko]

first off grab the best clothes you have
then make sure to shower..ya know clean yourself up some..damn freelancers sitting around the house all day start to well you know
then ptint out some of your websites on nice paper and any print work you may have is also a bonus...personally i wouldn't bringa CD .. things happen computers crash etc etc

[hurricaneone]

Originally posted by Owen Sutton
Let them suggest a location. Neutral ground would be good - quiet bar maybe.

I agree with all that OS had to say, except this. A bar is not a place for a professional get together, especially not the first occassion.

As they are the potential employers, I would expect them to ask you to come to their offices.

[SubwayDesigns]

I actually asked them to propose a meeting place, they haven't responded yet...

I'm not sure we'd meet in their offices, as I probably wouldn't be working there anyway (?). Of course it's probably more convenient to have a computer/connection right there.

Thanks for the input!

[Owen Sutton]

Obviously there's nothing wrong with meeting in their offices, but I've always found that what clinches deals (especially long-term relationships) is the 'beer factor' - are you the type of guy they'd want to go for a beer with. And what better place to establish that fact than in a bar. Also, as I said before, it's more of an even playing field - no-one has the home advantage.

But really, it's a small detail - whatever works for you.

[SubwayDesigns]

Have any brands you could suggest that would maximize the beer factor ?

[Owen Sutton]

Stella Artois of course - 'Reassuringly Expensive'

[SubwayDesigns]

I can't miss now

[hurricaneone]

OK, I'm in - whose round is it??

[SubwayDesigns]

Ok, I'll be meeting them next week at a bar I'll let you all know how it went. I don't see how I could go wrong if they serve Stella though...

[enemem]

just make sure you don't get absolutely trashed, start talking about bad experiences with previous clients and who you took home last night and offer them a website for £10...

[SubwayDesigns]

Allright, just came back from the meeting. It all went great, real relaxed interview... even though they didn't serve Stella. Only trouble was translating all the english "internet" terms to french .

Something I learned. Know your capabilities/limits very well; might sound trivial, but I was glad I had re-read my skillset and was ready for some of the questions he asked (he drilled me on some of it too - just to make sure I wasn't lying I guess )

Thanks for your advice!

-s.

[Owen Sutton]

Well done Matey!

[hurricaneone]

Did you get the gig?

Or, more importantly, did they pick up the tab?

[SubwayDesigns]

both

... though maybe he just thought I was a student with no money. Not that I wasn't dressed appropriately .

[hurricaneone]

Nice one, SD. Congratulations.

[chrisd9]

congrats... sounds like you're off on the right foot.

let us know if it goes as well when it comes time to gather content

good luck

[SubwayDesigns]

Thanks for the support
I'll let you know as things develop. Next step is to find a way to sign a legal contract (I'm still a minor such a bother...).