A discovery meeting is an initial conversation with a potential client to understand their needs, challenges, goals, and whether there's a good fit for working together. It's focused on asking questions and listening, not pitching or selling. The goal is to gather information that helps you create a tailored proposal or solution.
How long should a discovery meeting be?
Most discovery meetings are 30-60 minutes. For complex projects or larger clients, 90 minutes may be appropriate. Keep it focused - if you need more time, schedule a follow-up rather than running long. Respect their time while ensuring you gather all critical information.
What questions should I ask in a discovery meeting?
Focus on understanding their current situation, challenges, goals, timeline, budget, and decision-making process. Use open-ended questions like "What prompted you to reach out now?" and "What does success look like?" Our generator provides industry-specific questions tailored to your meeting type.
Should I send the agenda before the meeting?
Yes, sending a high-level agenda 24-48 hours before shows professionalism and helps the client prepare. Include main topics you'll cover, estimated duration, and any materials they should review. Don't share every detailed question - maintain some flexibility for organic conversation.
How do I customize the generated template?
Our templates are designed to be edited. Copy or download the template, then adjust questions, timing, sections, and content based on your specific needs. Add industry-specific questions, remove sections that don't apply, and personalize the language to match your style and brand.
What should I do immediately after a discovery meeting?
Send a thank-you email within 4 hours recapping key points, confirming next steps, and sharing any promised resources. Update your CRM with detailed notes while fresh. Begin working on the proposal or follow-up materials. Schedule the next meeting if agreed upon. Quick follow-through shows professionalism and keeps momentum.
Can I use this template for existing clients?
Absolutely. Discovery meetings aren't just for new prospects. Use them when existing clients want to explore new services, start new projects, or when you're conducting annual planning sessions. Select "Existing Client" as the client type to get a template focused more on expansion opportunities and less on qualification.
How do I qualify a prospect during discovery?
Ask about budget, timeline, decision-making authority, and previous solutions. Look for alignment between their needs and your capabilities. Assess whether they're serious (specific goals, realistic timeline) or just shopping. Not every prospect is a good fit - it's okay to identify mismatches early.
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