FREE GUIDE
How to Kick Off a Meeting With a New Client
Seven phrases to swap when you kick off a meeting with a new client, with exact wording that sets goals, deadlines, and reply times from the first call.
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The first conversation with a new client usually happens fast. It might be a discovery call, a quick meeting after they sign, or a text thread on day one. In those few minutes, you set the tone for how the whole project will run.
The words you choose matter because the client is still learning how you work. A loose phrase like "I'll get started soon" can sound friendly but leave them guessing. A clear one like "First draft Tuesday" tells them what happens next, which builds trust and cuts down on follow-up messages.
1. Instead of “So, what do you need?”
Say: “What would make this a clear win in 90 days?”
Why it works: Uncovers the real goal fast.
2. Instead of “Just send me everything”
Say: “Send three photos and your logo by Friday.”
Why it works: Specific asks get faster answers.
3. Instead of “Text me anytime”
Say: “I reply weekdays, 9 to 5, within one business day.”
Why it works: Sets expectations before they break.
4. Instead of “I'll get started soon”
Say: “First draft Tuesday, final version by the 20th.”
Why it works: Dates replace anxious guessing.
5. Instead of “Whatever you want works”
Say: “Here's what I'd recommend, and here's exactly why.”
Why it works: Clients hire you for judgment.
6. Instead of “Any questions?”
Say: “What's one thing you're still unsure about?”
Why it works: Open questions get honest answers.
7. Instead of “Let's just jump in”
Say: “Quick recap: logo, five pages, live by June 1.”
Why it works: Shared summary prevents later surprises.
The whole cheat sheet
| Don't say | Say instead |
|---|---|
| So, what do you need? | What would make this a clear win in 90 days? |
| Just send me everything. | Send three photos and your logo by Friday. |
| Text me anytime. | I reply weekdays, 9 to 5, within one business day. |
| I'll get started soon. | First draft Tuesday, final version by the 20th. |
| Whatever you want works. | Here's what I'd recommend, and here's exactly why. |
| Any questions? | What's one thing you're still unsure about? |
| Let's just jump in. | Quick recap: logo, five pages, live by June 1. |
Questions people also ask
How do you kick off a meeting with a new client?
Start by asking what would make the project a clear win, then agree on what they need to send you and by when. Share your reply hours and your first delivery date. End with a short recap of the scope so you both leave with the same picture.
What should you ask a new client in the first meeting?
Ask what would make the project a clear win in the next 90 days, and what they are still unsure about. Goal questions uncover what they really need, and an open question at the end brings out worries before they become problems.
How do you set boundaries with a new client?
Say them on the first call, in plain numbers: when you reply, how fast, and on which days. A line like "I reply weekdays, 9 to 5, within one business day" sets expectations before anyone is waiting on you.
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The AI runs on your own Claude or ChatGPT API key. You keep the key, you pay the model provider directly, and there is no markup on top of it. There is no SMS or phone calling yet, and we would rather say so than let you find out later.
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