How to Have a Killer Presentation

Looking to drum up some new business? Consider conducting a presentation or demo in front of perspective clients or customers. These face-to-face meetings are a great way to make a great impression that lasts. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare for your stellar presentation:

A laptop or tablet.
If you have the ability to hook up your laptop or tablet to a projector, that’s even better. This allows you to show a digital representation of your work, including things that were too complex to bring into the demo. If your product/service contains an electronic element, this will give you a chance to walk your customers’ through a step by step process of how it’s used. Make sure whatever you decide to bring in is fully charged before your presentation!

A sample.
Bring in a sample of one of your best offerings that a customer of yours would receive. If a demonstration is involved, that’s great! Show your customers how one would best use that product and/or service.

A presentation folder.
Print off important documents such as a pricing one-sheet, contract(s), payment forms, releases, etc. and have them presented neatly in a presentation folder with your company’s branding, ready for your customer to take home. Don’t forget to stick a business card in there and to have your company name and contact info printed on each sheet contained in the folder.

A parting gift.
Give your potential customers a small token of your appreciation upon ending your presentation. You’ll want to take this opportunity to show your customers’ why you are different and more thoughtful than you competitors. Consider personalizing an item of yours for your customers with their name or even their own company’s name on. If you don’t have any items that can be personalized, consider sending them something that would be useful! For example, I once gave a client of mine personalized pens with their company’s name on it. Last winter, I had a client of mine send me a blanket with my name embroidered into it! It’s taking that extra step that ensures potential customers will remember you.

According to Inc.com, here are some last minute do’s and don’ts to remember when arranging face-to-face meetings with prospects!

DO’s

• Have a goal
• Have an agenda
• Check out yourself in the mirror
• Know about your products
• Understand your customers’ business model(s)
• Remember the names of your customers
• Turn your phone completely off

DON’Ts

• Be a showoff
• Get there late
• Get too chit-chatty
• Try to be their friend
• Talk their ear off
• Only listen
• Get into an argument
• Talk about politics
• Talk about religion
• Turn your presentation into a sales pitch
• Ask questions that are too personal
• Flirt
• Be rude or condescending
• Let the meeting get off track
• Take up too much of their time
• Forget to follow up

Have you ever given a face-to-face presentation or demo? What tips are we forgetting? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.