Previous blog posts have prepared you for some common questions potential clients may ask you when they are looking to hire an outdoor landscape lighting professional. While it’s important to convince them of your professionalism and the good work you will provide, it’s also important to ask potential clients some questions too. After all, communication is a two-way street, and you want to know what you’re getting into before starting a job.
This week’s blog post will provide you with some questions to ask potential clients. These questions will help you get a better idea about the potential client, their space, and their vision for the space. From their answers, you can manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings in order to do a job well done.
Questions to Ask Potential Clients
The first meeting with potential clients is all about getting to know each other. Asking questions and getting honest answers will enable both you and the potential client to determine whether you both are a good fit for a successful working relationship. Below are some categories of questions you’d want to ask potential clients:
I. Understand the Vision & Property Use
Before starting the project, you must know what you’re working on and the project’s end goals. Ask questions that will give you a better understanding of what the outdoor space is going to be used for and the potential client’s vision for it. It’ll help you to better create an outdoor landscape lighting design for that client. You can ask questions like:
● What areas of the space would they like to highlight?
● What is the outdoor space going to be used for? Entertaining? Relaxing?
● Do they anticipate expanding the outdoor space or lighting in the future?
● What safety or functionality concerns do they have about the space?
Asking questions like these will give you the potential client’s bigger picture for their outdoor spaces and how you can assist them.
II. Clarify Style & Aesthetic Preferences
After deciding on the overall picture, you can get to know more about the potential client's personal styles and tastes. You can ask them questions like:
● What is the aesthetic they’re going for?
● What lighting style are they drawn to? Modern? Traditional? Cottage core?
● Would they prefer warm or cool toned lights?
● Do they want subtle or dramatic lighting effects?
● Are there examples or photos that match the look they’re going for?
Knowing their personal styles and tastes will enable you to create a customized outdoor landscape lighting system that will be sure to delight and impress them.
III. Discuss Budget & Phasing Options
The budget potential clients have for the job is essential to making sure you can complete the job in a way that will be satisfactory for you and the client. Knowing what the potential client has in mind budget-wise will enable you to think about whether or not you can get the right materials, labor, and if the job is worth it. Ask questions like:
● What is your budget range for this project?
● Are you open to phased installations, or is this a one-time investment?
● Are you willing to expand the budget if it means hitting all the desirables?
It is also best to offer potential clients multiple proposals or options if they are unsure about their budget. For example, you can have a simple plan that includes only the essential lighting or a full coverage plan where the lighting can be more customizable. That way, you can offer them something rather than nothing at all.
Having an idea about the budget will ensure that you and the potential clients know how the job will be completed and what it will look like.
IV. Cover Technical and Logistical Considerations
In your conversations with potential clients, you also want to get to know any technical or logistical concerns. You can ask questions such as:
● Where is the main power source or transformer located?
● Is there already an existing low-voltage landscape lighting system?
● Would they prefer smart controls, manual switches, or timers?
● Are there any neighborhood or local lighting restrictions you need to know?
The answers to these questions will give you a better understanding and idea about the layout of the space. You can use this knowledge to start planning an outdoor lighting design.
V. Set Expectations for Communication & Timeline
Good communication is the key to a successful relationship, including a professional one. No one should be left in the dark about the expectations for the job. You can ask questions that will set project expectations such as:
● What is the timeline for the project?
● Are you working with other contractors on the same site?
● Who will be the main point of contact?
● How often and how would you like to receive updates?
Knowing the potential client’s expectations for the job and how to effectively communicate with them will go a long way.
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Asking the right questions will help you build trust, ensure satisfaction, and lead to a job well done that will result in other potential jobs. An open and honest conversation with potential clients is an investment in your business. Know what you’re getting yourself into before taking the job.
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