Read Time: 2:15
Most consultants finish their projects and disappear.
Send an invoice.
Maybe a thank you email.
Then silence.
They just missed their best sales opportunity.
The Hidden Meeting
There’s a moment after every project.
A golden window.
When clients are most willing to talk.
Most ready to share.
Most open to what’s next.
But you’re already chasing the next deal.
The Thank You Trap
Here’s what most do:
- Send a nice email
- Ask for a testimonial
- Promise to keep in touch
- Never follow up
Here’s what they miss:
- Critical insights
- Hidden opportunities
- Future projects
- Valuable referrals
- Real relationships
The Better Way
Schedule a post-project meeting.
In person.
Face to face.
Just to say thank you.
(But really for much more)
The Real Agenda
This isn’t just a thank you.
It’s reconnaissance.
Strategy.
Relationship building.
Future planning.
You’re there to learn:
- What worked
- What didn’t
- What surprised them
- What’s next
- Who else needs help
The Magic Questions
“What was most valuable about our work together?”
(Now you know what to emphasize next time)
“What could have been better?”
(Free consulting on your own business)
“What’s next on your priority list?”
(Your next project proposal)
“Who else might benefit from what we did here?”
(Your next client)
The Timing
Not immediately after the project.
Let it breathe.
Let the results show.
Let them miss you.
Two weeks.
That’s the sweet spot.
Long enough to see impact.
Soon enough to remember details.
The Format
Keep it casual.
Coffee works.
Lunch is better.
Your treat.
Always.
The Real Value
This meeting does three things:
- Shows you care beyond the contract
- Gathers intelligence you can’t get any other way
- Positions you for what’s next
The Hidden Benefit
While your competitors are:
- Sending proposals
- Making cold calls
- Fighting for attention
You’re:
- Having warm conversations
- Getting invited back
- Being referred in
The Next Step
Look at your recently completed projects.
Call those clients.
Schedule those meetings.
Not to sell.
Just to listen.
Because here’s the truth:
Your best opportunities aren’t in your pipeline.
They’re in your project history.
The Simple Math
One post-project meeting often leads to:
- 2-3 new project opportunities
- 1-2 warm referrals
- Countless insights
- Stronger relationships
All from a simple thank you.
The Choice
You can:
- Finish and vanish
- Or finish and flourish
You can:
- Send an email
- Or have a conversation
You can:
- Close a project
- Or open opportunities
The Real Thank You
Thank you isn’t words in an email.
It’s time in a calendar.
It’s attention in a meeting.
It’s interest in what’s next.
Because here’s the thing about consulting:
The project isn’t the end.
It’s just the beginning.
If you let it be.
