How to develop and maintain strong client relationships
For most people, they work with clients that they need on their side. When you have good relationship with your client, it can make it feel more like a partnership. You work together, growing and building.Here are some tips on how to develop strong relationships with your clients.
Get to know them:
Always do your research. Before approaching a client, make sure you know enough about them. Find out all you can about the people you will be meeting with as a team and individually, as well as their past projects where applicable. This way, you can plan the best way to approach them. Maybe you could discuss your mutual contacts, or how interesting their company culture appears on their social media accounts. Maybe there’s been a write-up in a magazine about their product. Mention it. The client will be impressed that you did your research.
Get personal:
At the end of the day, your relationship with your client is a business relationship. However, you can and should inject your personality when appropriate. Find common ground with your clients to connect over. For example, if your client is a golfer, set up a golfing meeting instead of a regular office meeting. Acknowledge when something big happens for your client. For example, if a client was promoted, send them an email congratulating them. Wish them luck on a presentation they have, and maybe connect over your own presentations. Remember, your clients are people too. Meet them on a human level.
Ask for feedback:
This can be quite daunting, but it is important to check in every once in a while, and see if your client is still happy. Don’t just ask for feedback when you’ve completed a new project. You should strive to have an open form of communication that is flowing regularly. Ask them how they feel about the process of onboarding, or if they would change anything. Checking in shows your client that you care and are going the extra mile to make sure that they are happy. It shows that you value their opinion and are striving for continual improvement. Importantly, if you do get feedback, make sure to implement those changes in your approach going forward. Everyone wants to work with a go-getter. Be that person.
Set appropriate expectations and MEET THEM:
This goes without saying, but you should NEVER promise something you cannot deliver. Doing so creates unnecessarily high expectations and leads to disappointment when these expectations are not met. You must set realistic expectations, taking into account what the client wants and your own capabilities and timeline. However, once you’ve set expectations, you must complete them to the best of your ability. Maintain a constant stream of communication throughout this process to ensure that you are on the same page.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: The Muse – https://muse.cm/2KSX0Gf
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