Why I Don't Do Discovery Calls or Free Consultations.
You've likely encountered the ubiquitous "free consultation" or "discovery call" offered by many professionals. While these may seem like an attractive way to learn more about a service before committing financially, I've chosen a different approach for my business. Here's why I don't offer discovery calls or free consultations.
1. Valuing Time and Expertise
Every interaction I have requires an investment of time and expertise. Discovery calls, while seemingly brief, require preparation, scheduling, and follow-up. This time could be better spent serving existing clients or developing new resources. Additionally, offering free consultations would essentially mean providing valuable advice without compensation, which devalues my expertise.
2. Unproductive Use of Your Time
For prospective clients, attending a free consultation can be just as time-consuming as it is for me. Instead of getting a high-level overview, you could be better served by exploring readily available resources like my website, portfolio, or blog posts. These resources provide valuable information about my services, approach, and experience, allowing you to make an informed decision without feeling pressured.
3. Encouraging Deeper Engagement
Instead of relying on one-off consultations, I believe in fostering deeper engagement with potential clients. This allows for a more thorough understanding of your needs and ensures we are a good fit before starting any work.
4. Open Communication and Transparency
I encourage open communication and transparency throughout the client journey. My website and blog clearly outlines my services, pricing, and process. This allows you to get the information you need without a formal consultation.
5. Focusing on Long-Term Value
My primary focus is on delivering exceptional value to my clients. I believe this is best achieved by investing my time and expertise into the projects I take on, rather than offering free consultations that may not lead to a collaborative relationship.
Instead of offering free consultations, I encourage potential clients:
Explore my website and blog: These resources provide a wealth of information about my services, experience, and approach.
Schedule a paid landscape design vision session: If you have a specific project in mind and would like to discuss it in detail, I offer paid Landscape Design Vision Sessions for a focused discussion.
Summary
Ultimately, my goal is to build long-term, successful relationships with clients. This means prioritising effective communication, transparency, and delivering exceptional value. By choosing to forego free consultations, I can ensure that my time and expertise are dedicated to serving my clients in the best way possible.