Preparing for Appointments With Clients

When we make appointments with clients, we are making a promise to them—to arrive on time and prepared. This shows that we respect their time and, therefore, them. 

What does it mean to be prepared? 

On-time means early. Always give yourself some buffer before a session. Add extra time to a commute in case of bad traffic, an accident or any other issues that may come up. Arriving five minutes or more early allows you to switch gears, reflect on your previous notes, and gather yourself.  When it comes to online meetings, make sure you have buffer time to double-check that your Wi-Fi is stable and that you have all the information you need. 

Know what is required for the session.

Take detailed notes of each session and give yourself time to review your notes before the client arrives. Where did you leave off last time? What questions need to be asked? Did you observe any pressure points that should be addressed? What needs to be covered during your session?  

Be both emotionally and physically prepared for the session.

You should be well-rested and focused on what is happening in front of you. Nothing can make a client feel less important than their mentor or supervising appearing distracted or tired. If you are experiencing outside factors that may affect your time with your client, plan accordingly. This may mean setting aside some extra time before the session to get into the correct mindset, or scheduling time for a nap or a good meal if your energy is flagging. Your engagement is essential for building a secure relationship. 

Set expectations for yourself and your client.

If a client is consistently late or unprepared, discuss this during the session. It is likely that this stems from other issues. For example, a new baby at home could make the client sleepy and distracted during the session, or conflict with a co-worker might make the client defensive and rude towards you. Remind the client that respect goes both ways and, just as you will make the time and effort to make the sessions as effective as possible, the client should also respect your time and effort by showing up on time and prepared. 

Reflection questions:

• What is my practice—am I prepared, am I on time?
• What does that show about myself? 
• What do I need to stop?
• How can I be more present?

Next Steps: How are you today? Here is a seven-second snapshot.  https://vervelead.com/health-snapshot/ 

Who can help you lift your verve? 

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