How to Turn a Discovery Call into a Paid Project and Get Paid Faster as a Service Professional
Discover the secrets to converting discovery calls into paid projects and getting paid faster with Becflow's B2B SaaS tool.
You've invested hours in a discovery call with a potential client, only to have them ghost you or cancel at the last minute. Meanwhile, you've lost valuable time that could have been spent on other high-paying projects. This is a common pain point for service professionals like freelance writers, designers, and consultants. But what if you could turn those discovery calls into paid projects and get paid faster?
Why this keeps happening
The problem lies in the lack of a clear agreement and payment structure. Without a deposit or contract in place, clients often feel no obligation to pay for your services. Additionally, invoicing too late can lead to delayed payments and cash flow issues. To make matters worse, clients may not feel committed to the project if they're not required to put down a deposit or sign a contract.
Real example
Take Sarah, a freelance writer who invested two hours in a discovery call with a potential client. She had a clear understanding of the project scope and timeline, but no contract or payment agreement was in place. When the client suddenly cancelled at the last minute, Sarah was left with no payment and no chance to recoup her lost time.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Step 1: Secure the Project with a Deposit
Require a deposit from clients to secure the project and ensure their commitment. This deposit should be outlined in the contract and payment terms. For example, you could require a 50% deposit upfront, with the remaining balance due upon project completion. This approach not only ensures payment but also weeds out clients who are not serious about the project.
Step 2: Use Package Pricing for Complex Projects
Use package pricing to simplify complex projects and increase payment transparency. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable packages, each with a clear scope and payment term. This approach allows clients to see the value they're getting for their money and reduces the likelihood of disputes or delayed payments. For example, you could offer a package deal for a website redesign, including a clear scope and payment schedule.
Step 3: Implement a Contract that Outlines Payment Terms
Implement a contract that outlines project scope, timeline, and payment terms. This contract should include a clear payment schedule, including due dates and amounts. You should also include a clause that outlines the consequences of delayed or non-payment. For example, you could include a clause that states you reserve the right to charge interest on overdue payments or terminate the contract if payments are not made within a certain timeframe.
Step 4: Send Invoices Promptly to Encourage Timely Payments
Send invoices promptly to encourage timely payments and reduce cash flow issues. Set up a system to automatically send invoices on the due date, or use Becflow's payment links to make it easy for clients to pay online. This approach ensures that clients are aware of the payment due date and can make timely payments to avoid late fees or interest charges.
Step 5: Automate Reminders and Follow-ups
Automate reminders and follow-ups to keep clients on track and payment on time. Use Becflow's automation features to set up reminders and follow-ups at specific intervals, such as 7 or 14 days before the payment due date. This approach ensures that clients are aware of the payment due date and can make timely payments to avoid late fees or interest charges.
The Becflow solution
Becflow's B2B SaaS tool helps service professionals like you turn discovery calls into paid projects and get paid faster. With AI contracts, payment links, and automated reminders, you can streamline your payment process and reduce the risk of delayed or non-payment. Try Becflow today and take control of your payment process!
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