What to expect on your initial discovery call depends on how you approach it. Starting a new business relationship can be daunting yet exciting, especially when you’re the one leading the conversation. One of the first steps to this journey is having a discovery call. And trust me, as someone who also gets the pre-call jitters, I can understand how nerve-wracking it can be. Each call tends to be different from the last, which adds to the unpredictability. With that being said, these calls are essential to have, and the more you have them the easier they get. They set the stage for a successful partnership and help both parties understand what to expect.
The first call:
What can you expect on your initial discovery call, especially here at GVC? You’ll likely meet part of the team you’ll be working with, starting with an Account Executive (like me!) and possibly a designer. Even though there might be some email exchanges beforehand, this will allow us to truly get familiar with each other. After the introductions, we will get into the nitty gritty/purpose of the call. It’s always good to prepare a brief intro about your industry, your goals, and what led you to seek our services – whether it’s for a tradeshow or another project. Here’s a pro tip, be upfront about your expectations, whether it’s about budget or specific needs and goals. It’s always easier to assist when we have all the puzzle pieces from the get go.
The goal of the call:
The discovery call is there to figure out each other’s goals, wants, and needs. We will ask you a series of questions to get a clearer picture of what you are looking for. This also allows for both of us to assess if this partnership will be a good fit. Think of it like meeting someone for the first time – do you like everyone you meet? Probably not! The same goes for the business world, and that’s okay. If we can determine if we’re a good fit early on, it’ll save time for everyone, and as we all know, time is money. Before the call, it’s helpful to think about some questions, goals, challenges, and your budget. This ensures we cover all of your needs and get a solid understanding of what you’re hoping to achieve.
Next steps:
Once we have a clear understanding of what your needs and expectations are, we will walk you through the next steps. The GVC team will give you feedback and guidance on how we can help bring your vision to life. Towards the end of the call, feel free to ask any remaining questions to make sure all of your questions and concerns have been addressed. If all goes well, we’ll move forward to the exciting part – pushing your project into the design phase! Who doesn’t love seeing their ideas come to life?
Conclusion:
The initial discovery call is the building block of a successful working relationship. It allows for both parties to get to know each other and ensure that your goals and needs align. Here at GVC, we’re not about one-off-sales, we’re about building long term partnerships and growing together. While the pre-call jitters might still be there, just remember to come prepared and be open about your goals and expectations. One final pro tip, just be yourself! After all, as they always say, “people buy from people”!
— Valerjia Pabijanskas, Account Executive, Grapevine Visual Concepts