Building Your Dream Team: How to Prepare for a Discovery Call with a New Service Provider
Discovery calls are more than just a chance to meet a potential service provider you’d like to add to your team- they’re an opportunity to make sure the services and brand are aligned with your vision, values, and goals. As a female entrepreneur, every decision in your business is a stepping stone toward building the brand of your dreams, and that includes choosing the right people to join your dream team. Here’s a quick guide to help you show up prepared, confident, and ready to make an informed decision the next time a social media manager or brand designer says, “let’s hop on a call!”
Make Sure You Know Your Needs & Goals
Before hopping on the call, take some time to reflect on exactly what you’re looking for. Are you hoping to hire someone for branding, social media management, web design, or something else? Beyond that, define the outcome you want.
What specific problems are you trying to solve?
What results would make this investment worthwhile for you?
For example, if you’re hiring a social media strategist, maybe your goal is to build brand awareness, grow your audience, or land your first high-ticket client. Clarity on your goals helps you evaluate if their services are the right fit.
Do Your Research on the Brand
Take some time to look over the service provider’s website, social media, and portfolio. This isn’t just to see their work—it’s also about checking if their style and approach align with your brand and values.
Look for:
Their mission and vision, WHY they’re in business
Credentials, client testimonials or case studies
Clues about their personality or communication style
This foundation will give you confidence during the call and help you ask more thoughtful questions.
Start Thinking About Questions to Ask
A discovery call is your chance to “interview” the service provider just as much as it is theirs to learn about you. Prepare a list of questions to ensure you understand their process, what working with them looks like, and how they’ll help you achieve your goals.
Here are a few questions to get you started:
What does your process look like from start to finish?
How will you tailor your services to my business?
What’s your timeline for completing this project?
Are there any expectations you have for me as the client?
These questions will not only give you clarity but also show the provider that you’re serious about your business.
Have a Budget & Boundaries in Mind
Money talks can feel uncomfortable, but being upfront about your budget helps ensure you’re on the same page. Determine how much you’re willing to invest and whether you’re open to payment plans or need specific accommodations. Remember, the right service provider won’t just fit your budget—they’ll provide value that matches or exceeds what you’re investing.
Also, know your boundaries as an entrepreneur. Be upfront about how much access you want a service provider to have into your business and make sure it aligns with their processes. For instance, if you are hiring a social media manager, will you be handing over all of your passwords? Having these sensitive conversations at the onset of the relationship will save you from an awkward situation later on.
Be Ready to Brag About Your Business
This is your chance to really brag about your brand, what you’ve done so far and where you see yourself and your brand going in the future. A good service provider will be excited to hear all about how you got started and what is motivating you to start building your dream team. They will likely ask you questions to better understand your needs, audience, and goals. Be prepared to talk about:
Your business and the services or products you offer
Who your ideal client is
Any challenges you’re facing right now
Your vision for the future of your brand
The more information you share, the easier it will be for the provider to assess how they can support you.
Remember, The Service Provider Might Be Nervous Too
It’s easy to think of a discovery call as a one-sided evaluation, but remember that the service provider might be just as nervous to meet you! They’re likely excited about the chance to work with you and want to make a good impression.
Understanding this can shift your mindset—it’s not an interrogation, but a conversation between two professionals. Plant to show kindness and patience during the call, especially if they stumble over their words or seem overly eager. A little empathy goes a long way in building trust and creating a positive working relationship.
Lastly, Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, the right service provider should feel right. Booking a discovery call with a service provider is not a legal contract that implies that you MUST work with them. Take the pressure off of yourself to fall in love during the call and allow yourself to be open-minded and sensible.
Preparing for a discovery call is about truly stepping into your role as a CEO. The more intentional you are about these conversations, the easier it will be to find a service provider who aligns with your vision and helps you bring your dreams to life. If you’re ready to build your dream team and elevate your social media & branding strategy, I’d love to connect with you on a discovery call!
