I had a meeting with a new client this morning over coffee to discuss a new potential project where I’m in charge of designing and developing their new company website. It has been a while since I’ve had these face-to-face meetings, as most of my client meetings are now online via video calls, mostly due to geographical distance or simply to save time for both parties.

Although this isn’t my first meeting with potential clients, there’s still that feeling of nervousness and excitement—the thrill of meeting new people and presenting yourself as a professional. Are you dressed well enough to impress? Are there cultural or formalities you might be missing? Did you prepare enough for the meeting? What if there’s a question you don’t know the answer to? The eagerness to close the deal can be overwhelming; you start to overthink what could happen, and you may even think of solutions to problems that haven’t yet arisen.

The important thing is to take a deep breath, enjoy the current moment, and maybe look around to appreciate the little details. Understand that you’re being asked to help a fellow human being achieve their goals—it’s okay even if you make a mistake. Be human, be honest, be kind.

The meeting went well. I learned about their business and consulted them on the little details of building and running a website, offering the best advice I could at the time. I hope I can secure this contract, but it’s also fine if I don’t. I’ll keep designing and building websites regardless of the outcomes. I’m on a journey to become the best web designer I can be.

Also, remember to stay hydrated and drink enough water—it’ll help you think more clearly.