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How do you handle consults?

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Christy:
Hi!

I always offer my prospective clients a free consult to learn more about me and what I can offer.  I ALSO do paid consults, where I can teach providers how to enroll in ins plans, how to do their billing etc...

I am meeting with a client about an hour away for a consult (free.) I have a feeling that she wants to pick my brain about enrolling in ins (who to contact, what their pay rates are, etc....) She is a brand new provider.

I definitely don't want to give away my hard earned info for *free.* If the consult starts switching gears from learning about me to asking specific questions about ins rates/companies, etc.. how can I tactfully switch gears and turn it into a "paid" consult?

It feels odd to say "hey, you need to pay me for this info!" :o

tallmanusa:
I think " free " consults are a bad idea. You will be surprised how many people want free advise, but have no intentions to hire you.

Christy:
tallman- I agree with what you are saying- but in order to hire me, the client would naturally want to meet me and learn more about me.... I could not charge for that....I am anticipating the gear switch from "getting to know you" to "what does she know and will tell me for free!"

rdmoore2003:
since you do both, free and charged consults, I would start with the free consult information.  When and if she gets outside of that, just let her know that getting into more detailed information is just that,,,more detailed and takes more time which runs into the charged consult.  remember she is a new provider and no matter what she will end up paying someone, if you make a good impression she will remember

Christy:
thanks, Regina! I was thinking the same-   what do you all think of me deducting the cost of the consult from my set up fee if they decide to hire me?

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