Introducing yourself to new clients establishes a personal connection within your business relationship. A good introduction provides information, describes your approach to professional situations and can help your client feel comfortable and well-represented. It also identifies you as a hands-on and active representative who will be easy to conduct business with.

Initial Face-to-Face Meeting

Your client already knows who you are, but she doesn’t yet know what to expect from you. At your first in-person meeting, be amiable, personable and professional. Smile, shake hands, make eye contact and express your enthusiasm for your newly established working relationship. For example, “Sally it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I’m so happy you selected our company as your technology services provider and I’m excited about getting the chance to work with you.” Deliver a brief prepared statement that covers frequently asked questions about your company or operations and invite the client to query you about anything she’s unfamiliar with.

Provide Insight and Overviews

Set aside time to talk with the new client in person or by phone to discuss the specifics of your relationship and how you’ll fulfill her needs. This is a time to detail your work ethic and approach and find out the ways in which you can best serve your customer. For example, “I’ve been handling the accounts management for my company for the past 10 years and I was recently promoted to office field manager. This gives me more time to handle high-profile clients like yourself.” Outline a recommended plan of action and seek feedback. “I typically check in once a week, I’m always available by phone and email, and I’d love to take you to lunch every few weeks so we can touch base on our overall performance. Does that work for you, or would you prefer a different routine?”

Listen as Much as Talk

A significant part of your introduction should include a question-and-answer period where you learn about the client’s specific needs and then introduce solutions and provide recommendations. For example, as a hairstylist, you might show your new client photos from a website or portfolio to showcase your abilities, while asking her to point out style elements she likes or dislikes. Describe your experience as it pertains to what the client is seeking. For example, “I notice you seem to be drawn to dramatic highlights and colors. I spent several years as an instructor at a top-tier color institute, so that happens to be my area of specialty.”

Written Introduction

When distance or scheduling issues prohibit a face-to-face introduction, a letter or an email can still be effective. Use a conversational style and approach and provide a broad overview of your professional history. Describe the service you’ll be providing and provide pertinent details as they relate to project planning, order processing or ongoing interactions. For example, “I’ll be your contact person during the duration of your construction project. It will be my responsibility to send you all inspection reports, material orders, schedules, project updates and cost estimates.” Provide all of your contact information and use links, attachments or enclosures to provide additional reference materials if you're sending the document electronically.