Have you ever sat on a call, a Zoom meeting, or an in-person meeting and felt like the prospective client wasn’t in the same “financial ballpark” with who you usually work with (your typical clientele)?

I did once during a lunch break when I was still working at my corporate job trying to build IMC, and after 45 minutes of talking to someone I asked the budget question to only hear, “I have budgeted $100 for a website…”

You can prevent this from happening in the future with a simple “gatekeeper” website form (a form that is hidden on your site even).

The key is asking potential clients about their budget for your goods or services before you spend your precious time on one of those calls or meetings.

You’ll no longer be screaming inside your head like Jerry Maguire, saying “Show me the money!” 

This quick website idea will win back your and your team’s time by implementing this easy “hack” on your website form.

Follow these 3 easy steps to protect your time

1. Create a “gatekeeper” form that you send out once anyone wants to talk through your goods or services. This form can be on a hidden page of your site, it’s there for you to send as a follow up form before you agree to have a meeting. Whether someone fills out a form on your website, you get a referral via text or email, or someone calls your office, this form is your ultimate gatekeeper.
2. On this “gatekeeper” form, ask more questions to gather additional information to help you prepare or understand the client’s needs. Just make sure you ask how much “money” they have set aside for this particular good or service. You can set options based on the budgets you work with or have them list an “other” amount so you get a clear picture of what they’ve set aside.
3. Require this form to be filled out before you or your team meets with anyone.

Are there exceptions to the rule?

Yes! The good news is you decide who gets the exception. I don’t send this to established clients I’ve worked with or if a company like Nike or Under Armour contacted me about a website, I would know they have a substantial budget, so I wouldn’t send them this form. It’s about using your best judgment to protect your time.