Fleur Irisée's Tweets (October 2011)

 

twitter.com/Fleur_Irisee

October 2011

Tweets on Twitter by Fleur Irisée

• 10/31/2011 RT @DamnRightTweets Sometimes, when we love someone new, we think they’re someone BETTER. But in reality, they’re just someone DIFFERENT. #DRT
• 10/31/2011 @VistaprintHelp Here's the order number: VK0K3-21A08-3P3 - Thanks for the reply!
• 10/30/2011 RT @UCBerkeleyNews What drives addicts to repeatedly satisfy their cravings despite the risks? UC Berkeley findings point to clues at newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/10/30/add…
• 10/30/2011 My freshly carved Pumpkin for #Halloween 2011 . . . so fun, I wish I had more pumpkins to carve! pic.twitter.com/4Iryzdl8
• 10/30/2011 According to A.O.C. law in France, the only 3 grape varieties allowed in #Champagne production are: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier
• 10/30/2011 RT @NOH8Campaign Next @NOH8Campaign photo shoot is in DENVER, CO on November 4th! More info here: on.fb.me/sMTaFa... fb.me/TbpOCLWM
• 10/30/2011 Congrats! @SSScamera - I hope you post pictures of your new office!
• 10/30/2011 Awesome show of Satirical drawings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art right now...funny!! And relevant too. metmuseum.org/collections/se… #MET
• 10/30/2011 @PRSAcolo Great! How would one RSVP to your Holiday Gathering?
• 10/30/2011 Oct 30th is National Candy Corn Day! Enjoy, but don't forget to brush your teeth at the end of your binge!
• 10/30/2011 RT @WeddingWire If you're a Preppy Bride and Groom, check out these free wedding website themes to match your personality ~ http://ht.ly/6AZH3
• 10/30/2011 SPOOF video makes fun of #FoxNews, #HuffPo and other media giants via @charlie_white - lnkd.in/YbHVU9
• 10/29/2011 RT @7News 1.usa.gov/Z1Fu2 1.usa.gov/tP4mQ8 <----Snow totals from across the state. 2 FEET in the Berkshires! via @jreineron7
• 10/29/2011 Top 4 #golf etiquette pet peeves: 1. Stepping in someone's line 2. Spitting on the green 3. Loud cursing 4. Public urination (via @si_golf )
• 10/29/2011 Happy National Oatmeal Day (Oct 29th) - trick is to use 2% milk and a little brown sugar ... mmmmm #food
• 10/28/2011 So ... How did the opening go!!! @DESCENTWBoston descentwboston.com
• 10/28/2011 Thanks, @AmericanExpress for the complimentary cocktail, glass of wine or beer w/JetBlue Card on any JetBlue flight Nov. 1 - Dec. 31- CHEERS
• 10/28/2011 I hope everyone's enjoyed celebrating National Chocolate Day (Oct 28th) ... what's your favorite #chocolate brand?
• 10/28/2011 10 Actors’ Responses to Their Incredibly Awkward Nude Scenes via @flavorwire flavorwire.com/224264/10-acto…
• 10/28/2011 27th annual Boo at the Zoo (Oct 29-30, 9am-5pm) Activities free w/zoo admission 25+ trick-or-treat stations @DenverZOO denverzoo.org/visitors/event
• 10/28/2011 It's #Karma: iPad thief who severed his victim's finger ... get's the finger from Denver courts - sentenced to 25 yrs. goo.gl/X0esT
• 10/28/2011 I'm NOT happy w/ Vista Print Holiday Cards @vistaprint edited text for me. Layout changed & I was not advised. Now it looks bad/unusable !!
• 10/28/2011 So, I'm psyched about seeing Puss in Boots #movie - is it bad if I don't have any kids to take to it? pussinbootsthemovie.com
• 10/28/2011 GREAT Denver @Learning_Ally Board Meeting last night! A lot was accomplished & even better things to come. Thanks for everyone's attendance!
• 10/28/2011 Great dinner at Capital Grille in #Denver last night. Thanks for letting us close it down! @capgrillelsq
• 10/26/2011 Top 10 #romantic spots in Denver via @JustLuxe : bit.ly/rAkIhO (I was just @BrownPalace - #9 on list!)
• 10/26/2011 It's my 1st drive in the Colorado #snow w/ my Range Rover Sport @LandRover - she performed great ... dare I say, even better in the snow?!
• 10/25/2011 New #article from Fleur Irisee : DO YOU DO CRM? HERE’S YOUR 1st STEP TO DOING IT fleuririsee.blogspot.com/2011/10/do-you…
• 10/25/2011 Great night at Churchill #Cigar Bar within the @BrownPalace - best staff around! brownpalace.com/dining/churchi…
• 10/24/2011 RT @TIME Who needs investors? Some entrepreneurs choose to go it alone | ti.me/snP3PT
• 10/24/2011 AMAZING #pumpkin art villafanestudios.com/gallery/the-pu… AMAZING EVERYTHING @ray_villafane villafanestudios.com
• 10/24/2011 Facial monitoring - Webcams can now spot which ads catch your gaze, read your mood and check your vital signs ... am I…lnkd.in/gcvY6W
• 10/24/2011 RT @JamesVanPraagh The idea that you only have one soul mate in your lifetime is pure fantasy. You have many soul mates in the world.
• 10/24/2011 Great #business advice : Don't assume everyone knows what you do + 4 more tips when pitching a VC firm inc.com/ss/dont-do-lis…
• 10/23/2011 Think about it: "As for butter versus margarine, I trust cows more than chemists." - Joan Gussow (nutritionist) # quote via @googlebooks
• 10/23/2011 Nice dinner at @chinooktavern in Greenwood Village tonight, great space & decor, but sloooow service - bar is better! chinookdenver.com
• 10/23/2011 Great Bridal Expo : Oct. 23, starting at Noon, in Denver Marriott City Center @GreatBridalExpo #GetMarried greatbridalexpo.com/bridal-shows/D…
• 10/23/2011 Come quickly, I am drinking stars! - Dom Pérignon #quote via @Corridor44
• 10/23/2011 Happy National #Boston Cream Pie Day! Parker Restaurant at Omni Parker Hotel is the place to celebrate at! www.omnihotels.com
• 10/22/2011 RT @InStyle 10 ways to detoxify your life. ht.ly/75O9w
• 10/22/2011 Happy National Nut Day! I'm a huge fan of hazelnuts and cashews ... How about you?
• 10/22/2011 Just finished up @Corridor44 - bartenders could have been better :(
• 10/20/2011 The #golf gift site ... will come in handy for my business clients this holiday season! thegolfcollection.com
• 10/20/2011 Uh-oh! Hidden health risks of hair straightening products - goo.gl/lrqJo #health
• 10/20/2011 #Autofollow @Kaijzer BBC SportDonald, Chasing Money Lead, Fires 66New York TimesBy AP Luke Donal... bit.ly/odUqws #TeamFollowBack
• 10/20/2011 The top 10 manhunts via @TIME ti.me/ocMzlg #Gaddafi
• 10/20/2011 I'm already thinking about having holiday cards made ... finding the right vendor is always the tough part. Suggestions? #holiday
• 10/19/2011 Where to #Ski this Winter: US Resort Upgrades bit.ly/qrO8kP PLUS early bird Specials in Colorado + bit.ly/qkfb3R #frommers
• 10/19/2011 I hope the 3rd Annual Children's Hero Award Gala tonight (The Conrad Hotel & Residences...) was successful! #miamievents @MiamiBeachEvent
• 10/19/2011 RT @CNTraveler It's the big moment: We're about to give out the #worldsavers awards! Tune in to the live coverage now: bit.ly/pJXIVE
• 10/18/2011 RT @sarahjhodkinson LivingSocial goes after the high-spending foodie with new high-end deals - Internet Retailer shar.es/bth0F
• 10/18/2011 RT @BacchusandBeery Wine News - Bacchus & Beery Blog is out! bit.ly/j2eC1N ? Top stories today via @aboriginemundi @notabenetoronto @daysofplay
• 10/18/2011 Make dinner plans @HODSONSBarGrill - Nov. 7th (I'll be there at 6pm)! Mention the Fundraiser benefiting @Learning_Ally goo.gl/ttwa8
• 10/18/2011 Babies & toddlers should learn from play & live interaction, NOT tv sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/… #literacy #media #parenting via @ReadingHorizons
• 10/18/2011 Dessert time! Guess how I'm going to celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day (Oct. 18th) ... #food
• 10/18/2011 White-collar Crime: Maybe we should try public shaming. Douglas Berman via @TIMEIdeas ideas.time.com/2011/10/18/wha…
• 10/18/2011 RT @rzrachelzoe Glad u all like this quote :) RT @TallMeg "If I'm going to be a mess then I'm going to be a glamorous mess!" - @rzrachelzoe #sotrue
• 10/17/2011 @StRegisPMita That sunset is beautiful! What was the temperature ... perfect?
• 10/17/2011 I'm thrilled to be officially elected as the Chair of @Learning_Ally Board, #Denver! Thank you - I look forward to serving our organization!
• 10/16/2011 Great #Bridal Expo at Denver Marriott City Center is on Oct 23rd starting at noon (@GreatBridalExpo) greatbridalexpo.com/bridal-shows/D…
• 10/16/2011 RT @TweetSmarter Sesame Street’s YouTube channel hacked with porn for 30 minutes: bit.ly/oTtF2c
• 10/16/2011 Congrats, Clio @EliotHotel in Boston, for getting on Frommer's "America's 10 Best Hotel Restaurants" @FrommersTravel frommers.com/slideshow/?p=3…
• 10/16/2011 Congrats Summit @TheBroadmoor Hotel for getting in Frommer's America's 10 Best Hotel Restaurants @FrommersTravel frommers.com/slideshow/?p=1…
• 10/16/2011 Open casting call for 3rd season of #MasterChef , held in Boston at Le Cordon Bleu (Nov. 5th) @masterchefusa details: masterchefcasting.com
• 10/16/2011 Happy Boss's Day (Oct. 16) to all the great business leaders. Also, we appreciate all the hard working employees that support us #bosses.
• 10/15/2011 CONSULTANT : DON’T BE A KICKED TIRE lnkd.in/U3GVVj
• 10/15/2011 Reminder to get tickets: 2011 UNICEF Children's Champion Award Dinner (Oct. 20th) - The Castle in #Boston @unicefUSA unicefusa.org/about/special-…
• 10/15/2011 In the spirit of #Saturday night, I hope everyone enjoys a highly extracted #wine (one w/ a lot of flavor, color, tannin & alcohol) CHEERS!
• 10/15/2011 Wine Fun: Sur Lie means that wine has spent time aging on its lees/sediment. Aging on the lees makes wines more full bodied, nuanced & nutty
• 10/15/2011 I'm very excited about TRADE restaurant at #Boston Atlantic Wharf - Chef Jody Adams will do us proud! trade-boston.com
• 10/15/2011 Twenty top Twitter tips via @MarketingDonut marketingdonut.co.uk/marketing/inte…
• 10/14/2011 6 Twitter Tools for Local Business sproutsocial.com/insights/2011/… via @Sprout_Insights
• 10/14/2011 I'm impressed with @lg_designs Logo #designs for my client and her quick turnaround! Thanks, Lynn! lynngrahamdesigns.com
• 10/13/2011 Campaigns to Capabilities: Social Media & Marketing 2011 via @BuddyMedia and Booz & Company lnkd.in/9iiMMB lnkd.in/gRpwku
• 10/13/2011 New #food show: The Best Thing I Ever Ate! via @FoodNetwork foodnetwork.com/the-best-thing… My favs @Duff_Goldman, @ChopTedAllen, & @chefanneburrell
• 10/12/2011 I'm surprised to learn that less than 10% of plastic trash is recycled. Kudos to Mike Biddle for making a new plan goo.gl/pL2nL #eco
• 10/11/2011 Drastic or Reasonable?? LMK! "@CityofAspen Council voted tonight to ban plastic bags & impose 20 cent fee on paper bags @ grocery stores"
• 10/11/2011 @ESKDboston Best Late Night Specials menu yet, Eastern Standard! #food
• 10/11/2011 Just finished celebrating National Sausage Pizza Day (Oct. 11th) ... way better than warm milk - good night!
• 10/11/2011 Tomorrow: “THE DIAMOND HUNT JUBILEE” #fundraiser @TheGoldenHotel. Proceeds go to the Golden Rescue Fund. RSVP jayne@goldencochamber.org
• 10/10/2011 RT @MTV If you're dealing with digital drama, or know someone who is, there's help. Spread the word. on.mtv.com/rbLPkZ
• 10/10/2011 Just watched Dancing With the Stars in real time (sans DVR). I felt like I was in the Stone Age ... time moved sooo slow! #NotDoingThatAgain
• 10/9/2011 RT @BostonDotCom Tom Brady: Just another week - bo.st/qboMxi #patriots
• 10/9/2011 via @Macys #WIN a Marchesa wedding gown: bit.ly/pYZBlO - Win a trip for 4 to NYC for a Thanksgiving Experience: bit.ly/op0rfM
• 10/9/2011 Who says men are commitment-phobic? Paul McCartney walks down the aisle (again)! goo.gl/UroJ2 #wedding via @cnnbrk
• 10/8/2011 Already read my ESPN Magazine: The Body Issue TWICE! Check out some of the pics espn.go.com/espn/bodyissue @ESPNMag
• 10/8/2011 Fruit Fresh Up Recall in NY state: Fresh Cut Cantaloupe & Cut Mixed Fruit w/Cantaloupe (poss. #listeria monocytogenes) goo.gl/RU8x8
• 10/8/2011 Very nice article, A. Penenberg - A Mega, Meta Mashup in Tweets ... in the wake of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs' death. goo.gl/fIj1I
• 10/8/2011 Happy National Fluffernutter Day (Oct 8th) ...p.s. that's Marshmallow & Peanut Butter ... oh, and it's delicious! marshmallowfluff.com
• 10/8/2011 Wishing your Jewish friend a "happy" Yom Kippur shows how little you know about the holiday ... It's a time of solemn spiritual reflection
• 10/8/2011 RT @TweetSmarter 10 Must Have Twitter Tools and Apps bit.ly/re44Vv
• 10/7/2011 Great #massage tonight with Mary at Elements Massage in Highlands Ranch! @touchofelements
• 10/7/2011 Great 1st day working w/ Security Surveillance System (SSS)! Safeguarding your home & business is so important! ssscamera.com
• 10/7/2011 RT @wineportfolio Everybody's Talkin' - a great article on the incredible rise social media and travel http://ow.ly/6Qilv
• 10/6/2011 @5280Eats @livingsocial I'd ask @Ddesserts before concluding #Denver doesn't have much of a sweet tooth. D Desserts is always hopping!
• 10/6/2011 Twitter Tip: Follow the right accounts (e.g. industry affiliates, employees, clients & appropriate interests) & respond if they @mention you
• 10/6/2011 Happy National #Noodle Day! This makes me want to have a can of comforting Campbell's Soup today. campbellsoup.com
• 10/5/2011 Steve Jobs passes away - he will be missed. cnn.com/2011/10/05/us/…
• 10/5/2011 RT @WSJ Bank of America's online banking problems have spilled into a sixth day as customer anger mounts on.wsj.com/qtttgM
• 10/5/2011 Key questions (and answers via @USATODAY) about the #Apple iPhone 4S - usat.ly/qxscrC
• 10/5/2011 VOTE DAILY! Learning Ally could win $25,000. I've just submitted my daily 5 votes ( @Learning_Ally - use code: 0573 ) albertsonscpchallenge.com
• 10/5/2011 Yes, it's a challenge to learn! w/ conflicting music & different dances all around makes it tough to hear & keep count @AdvntrsInDance
• 10/4/2011 Happy National Vodka Day AND National Taco Day (Oct. 4th) ... sounds like a good combo! @belvederevodka
• 10/4/2011 @senseamarketing @AdvntrsInDance I'm learning the Viennese Waltz! The dance floor gets a bit too crowded tho when other training is going on
• 10/4/2011 Great dinner, service & view at @legalseafoods Harborside 2nd Floor (try the filet!) w/@kurtmalec legalseafoods.com/restaurants/bo… #WaterfrontDining
• 10/4/2011 Semiconwest2011 Daily's out! bit.ly/nGobf5 Nice business etiquette tips from around the world @katiemorrell via @AmericanExpress
• 10/4/2011 The funniest jokes are grounded in truth, but not all truthful jokes are funny ... think about it.
• 10/3/2011 We're looking forward to our @FAIntegrations logo #design meeting today with @lg_designs.
• 10/3/2011 Kraft Foods Global voluntary #recall: 3types of #Velveeta Shells&Cheese Single Serve Microwaveable Cups (possible thin wire bristle pieces)
• 10/2/2011 Brunching at L'Espalier!
• 10/1/2011 Great @JamesVanPraagh show in Boston ... Wish there was more time for personal readings! Come back soon.

YTD Tweets:  October 2010  -  October 2009

Happy Halloween!

My Pumpkin Carving (Oct. 2011)
... the toasted seeds I made were delicious too! Happy Halloween!

Capital Grille Restaurant Review

 

CAPITAL GRILLE, DENVER

Desirability: 6 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions:  I've been to this Larimer Sq. location a few times, and this evening was one of my best dinning experiences. The dinner special I had was delicious and the staff was extremely accommodating and attentive.

This chain restaurant has been able to maintain a high-end boutique steak house feel in every location I've dined at. I've been impressed at the chain's consistent and reliable fresh quality food, excellent service, and impressive wine list. If you like you waiter, remember to get his/her name as you can request them for future seatings.

Also, a nice insider tip: if you want something offered at a different Capital Grille (like caviar or particular bottle of champagne), you can call ahead of time and they will ship it to your restaurant’s location.

     Try:  Dry Aged Steak Au Poivre - Lobster Mac N Cheese - Seasonal Mushroom Medly
     Skip:  Creamed Spinach

Some Food/Drink Tasted: Dry Aged Steak Au Poivre – Calamari – Oysters – Shrimp Cocktail – Wedge Salad – Tomato Salad – Filet Mignon – Swordfish – Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich – Lobster Mac N Cheese – Seasonal Mushrooms – Creamed Spinach – Asparagus – Truffle Fries

Most Recent Visit: 10/27/2011
Amount Visited: 100+
Experiences: Dinner, Bar

Address: 1450 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80202 (multiple locations)
Website: thecapitalgrille.com  Phone: (303) 539-2500
Social Networking:  Facebook /The Capital Grille  -  Twitter @capgrillelsq

Previous Posts:  January 2010

Do You Do CRM? Here's Your 1st Step To Doing It

 DO YOU DO CRM? HERE’S YOUR 1st STEP TO DOING IT

You’re a consultant, so all you have time for is staying focused on getting your work done and setting up your next consulting job because it’s a competitive environment out there … especially in this economy. I understand.

Well, as business development consultant, a quick and easy step I tell everyone to take is to create a database of all the people they've met, received an inquiry from, and worked with. Be sure to gather as much information as you can about them including at least one piece of contact information (i.e. phone number, email, mailing address). It takes very little time to set up a rolling database, and even less time to maintain, yet the payoff (if used right) can be huge.

If you don’t feel comfortable asking for contact information, offer something to them in return like putting them on your monthly “insider tips” newsletter or mention that you occasionally send out exclusive discounts. Then, follow up. This sounds so obvious, but you would be surprised by how many people I have seen ignore this step. It doesn’t have to be a big time investment, nor do you have to use an expensive email provider – simply stay fresh in someone’s mind (it will bring in business).

I’ve gotten many responses from people who have been planning to contact me, or have been grappling with an issue that they "just realized" I would be able to help them with. They are usually relieved that I initiated a reconnection ... always happy to help!

Recap:

• Collect contact information from everyone you meet and work with
• Follow-up at least once
• Communicate without being overwhelming (and not just when you need something from them)
• Measure your CRM success (ideally you should keep a report of who you’ve reached out to, in what way you've contacted them, and how that has translated into business – referrals included)

About the Author: Kristin Kim (contact: kristin@FleurIrisee.com) is the President and COO of Fleur Irisée: an exclusive consulting firm in Denver, CO and Boston, MA (headquarters). Fleur Irisée specializes in developing fully integrated turn-key solutions for your personal and professional needs. Our talents focus on strategic business development, special event management, wedding planning, and select concierge services. “Discrete + Experienced + Professional + Sophisticated” http://www.FleurIrisee.com

Chinook Tavern Restaurant Review

CHINOOK TAVERN

Desirability: 3 of 6 acclamations

My Opinions: I was first impressed with the spacious bar/lounge, restaurant and additional private room. The super high ceilings, the airy feel, uplifting light wood tones, and interesting lighting. Once seated, I went from feeling intrigued to feeling a bit exposed and lonely - there was no one in the restaurant!

I ordered and waited, and waited ... and waited for some dinner rolls. Then, I waited, and waited ,and waited for my salad. Then, it's repeat the same for my entree, coffee and dessert. I like a relaxing meal, but I didn't plan on it lasting 3 hours. The food was good, but skip the dessert (a bit dry) and coffee (a bit weak).

The bar section is quite attractive (pictured above), so it'd be great for an after-work happy hour drink. Also, the space is accommodating for a large private cocktail function - just make sure the contract ensures it's staffed appropriately.

Most Recent Visit: 10/23/2011
Amount Visited: 1
Experiences:  Dinner

Address: 6380 South Fiddlers Green Circle, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (multiple locations)
Website: chinookdenver.com  Phone: ‎(720) 266-6000
Social Networking: Twitter @ChinookTavern  -  Facebook /Chinook Tavern

Corridor 44 Bar Review

CORRIDOR 44

My Opinions: We all know that I love the bubblies ... especially in the Rose family. Tonight, I  quenched my thirst with their flight of 3 sparkling roses - the presentation was enticing ... my drinks set on a wrought iron spiral flute holder, and the pours all complimented each other.

This place was packed, yet the bar service was still attentive and friendly - nice work! The crowd was an "interesting" mix of 70% classy, 25% tawdry, and 5% sloshed, but it wouldn't be a good Friday night without some amusement, right?! Also, the prices are quite fair, especially for their bottles, so I will be back to try some more flights, some more bottles, and maybe even something from their food menu.

Most Recent Visit: 10/21/2011
Amount Visited: 5+
Experiences: Bar

Desirability: 5 of 6 acclamations

Address: 1433 Larimer Square, Denver, CO 80202
Website: corridor44.com  Phone: (303) 893-0044‎
Social Networking: Twitter @Corridor44  -  Facebook /Corridor 44

Previous Posts:  November 2009

Lash Envy (Denver) Review

LASH ENVY

My Opinions: I wasn't sure I would find a comparable lash company in Denver, but Aly Warren's Lash Envy office (near the Cherry Creek Mall) does great work. They use Xtreme Lashes and my stylist, Jacque, is able to artfully apply a significant amount of lashes to make my lash line look full and natural.

The office is located in an apartment building, this surprised me on my first visit because I was not advised, but once inside, Aly maintains a clean and calming environment for you to get your application done. The prices are fair and they even sell some great products like a natural lash stimulator formula, brow pencils and grooming tools. To note: I've been happy with the staying power these lashes have. I can go 4-5 weeks before another application, and they use a quick drying glue that reduces irritation.

Desirability: 5 of 6 acclamations

Most Recent Visit: 10/18/2011
Amount Visited: 2
Experiences: Lash Application

Address: 3329 E. Bayaud Avenue, Suite 804, Denver, CO 80209 (multiple locations)
Website:  LashEnvyinc.com  Phone: (303) 717-5247
Social Networking: Facebook /Lash Envy

CONSULTANT : DON’T BE A KICKED TIRE

 CONSULTANT : DON’T BE A KICKED TIRE

Free consultations are commonplace these days. Not only does it allow the buyer to get to know you and your business, it allows you and your business to qualify the buyer.

As a business development and marketing consultant, and special event planner, I certainly recommend hosting a free consultation to be sure that the inquiry is a desirable one, and that you are a good fit for the job. Free consultations should be a meeting to discover why the client is looking for help, identify the areas in need that you can specifically improve, and show the prospect that you have the abilities to resolve their problems. Free consultations should not be a platform to give the client solutions to their problems - never ever give away your secrets (not a one!).

Prospects will ask pointed questions – and that’s OK. Instead of getting overly secretive, focus the discussion on your deep understanding of the prospects concerns, promote your process, and refer to some of your previous cases that were successful because of your value-add. Be comfortable knowing that you probably aren’t going to answer all of the client’s questions in detail. Starting off with the terms of the meeting will help manage a buyer’s expectations of what will be discussed.

Throughout my experience, I’ve met many consultants in business development, marketing, hospitality, special events and weddings, concierge services, creative industries, and then some, who are frustrated by their conversion from free consultations to paying business. They tend to turn inward, and become insecure in their abilities. This reaction is dangerous because it can cause one to underprice themselves or even quit their business altogether.

Instead of doubting yourself and your services, focus on developing your sales techniques.

A free consultation is informational, but make it also be your soft/hard sell. A consultant has to position themselves as an expert in their field to people seeking out help, so take carry that assertion through to your closing and do the “ask”. It is not pushy or awkward to find out when the client would like to get started. It’s a good thing if you tell them what your next step is upon taking on a new client. At the very least, make sure you are speaking with the decision maker, and if not, find out who that will be.

Remember, your main objective is to qualify the prospective customer and turn them into an active client ... and their main goal is to find the best person to hire. If you recognize that it is not a good fit, save both parties time by politely ending the consultation and then guide them to someone who is better suited to service their needs. They will appreciate your honesty and help; who knows, you may get a referral (or two) from them - it's happened to me.

About the Author: Kristin Kim (contact: Kristin@FleurIrisee.com) is the President and COO of Fleur Irisée: an exclusive consulting firm in Denver, CO and Boston, MA (headquarters). Fleur Irisée specializes in developing fully integrated turn-key solutions for your personal and professional needs. Our talents focus on strategic business development, special event management, wedding planning, and select concierge services. “Discrete + Experienced + Professional + Sophisticated” http://fleuririsee.com