Bringing a portfolio to a meeting...

Some folks say, "Bring a little and leave them wanting more." Others say, "Bring as much as you can and leave them with something to remember you by." The majority remain right in between. Here are some tips on how to find that in between balance.

While researching this topic I found many different answers regarding how to represent yourself when meeting a potential client and presenting your portfolio. Many people say, "Bring your laptop or iPad because the colors are so much more vivid." Others say, "Print your portfolio on the most expensive paper and put it in a book that makes them remember you." Isn't there a way to meet all of these needs without emptying your savings account? Of course!

There is a lot to consider when heading out to meet a future client. Doing a little research is probably one of the most important things you can do prior to meeting someone who is thinking about paying you to do a job for them. Knowing some information about their business (better than none at all) communicates that you are interested in their line of work.

Let's be real for a minute. We like people who take an interest in what we do.

Take into account what your potential client might be asking you to do for them, then plan accordingly.

Ask yourself a few of these questions:
Is he/she asking you to shoot artistic portraits of employees? Do they want catalog style photos of just sunglasses with knocked out backgrounds? What is the demeanor of the person you're meeting with? Do you think they would prefer to view your portfolio on a small laptop monitor or larger photographic prints presented in a book?

The bottom line is every situation is different, but being prepared for different situations before a meeting is very important.

There is no right answer when deciding what to bring, but here a few essentials:
Portfolio on a disk (cheap, easy to make and modify)
Hard copy (printed)
Business cards (shows you're a pro)
Pen and paper (taking notes shows you're interested in their project)
Ears (Let them talk)

Best of Luck!
CASP