Don’t ask for business in your first meeting with a prospect. Rather, provide value to that person.
Yes, that’s counterintuitive. You’re likely thinking: “What? Don’t ask for the business?” Yes, that’s what I’m saying. As both an attorney and the founder and CEO of a coaching and business development consulting firm, I've found that service providers in particular are very direct in their "ask" in 99% of first meetings with prospects. They want to do work for the prospect and ask for the business. But, see, that’s where the opportunity lies for you.