How to spice up first presentation to client

Dear Karen: I’m making my first presentation to a potential client. Suggestions?

Answer: Get there early and greet people as they arrive or as they dial in if you’re doing a conference call. Avoid PowerPoint if possible, said Robbie Hyman, a business copywriter. “PowerPoint drains the life out of a presentation,” he said.

Use specific, concrete language and tell stories that engage your audience’s emotions. Make direct eye contact, smile often and don’t apologize. If you make a mistake, “move on quickly. Your audience will forget quickly, and you’ll soon regain your rhythm,” Hyman said.

Dear Karen: How can my company save money through technology?

Answer: Evaluate repetitive processes you’re handling manually and automate them, said Nancy Pearson, an IBM vice president. “Set up a system that puts users in control without assistance from IT staff,” she said.

Consider outsourcing non-core aspects of your business and explore “cloud” computing, which allows you to lease rather than buy computer services. “It lets you take action more quickly and easily since you’re not bogged down by tinkering with changing standards, versions or maintenance,” Pearson said.

Small-business questions? E-mail Karen at smallbiz@latimes.com