For businesses and independent professionals, maintaining strong client relationships is just as critical as gaining new business. Building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with your clients can set you up for repeat business. Here are a few client relationship building skills to help you build lasting relationships with your clients.
Client Relationship Building Skills – Improving Customer Relations
Timely, Efficient Communication
A timely and thorough communication system should be a priority. Respond promptly to communication and keep the channels open and honest. You want your client to feel comfortable when communicating with you. Being available for your client whenever they need you demonstrates that you value them and assures them that you have their best interests at heart.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Zeal and enthusiasm are attractive traits people love to be around, and clients enjoy working with. As such, it’s crucial to show a positive face to your clients even when things seem a bit stressful or overwhelming. You want your clients to feel confident and energetic about your competence and ability to meet their expectations.
Manage Time and Meet Deadlines
Getting work completed on time and well is critical to maintaining client relationships. Set clear and realistic project timelines so you can fit them into your schedule.
When working on a project, for example, and setting out your plan and quote for a delivery date, you’re better off overestimating than giving yourself too little time. Give yourself ample time so your client will be pleased with your efficiency and ability to work within deadlines.
Share Knowledge
Whenever your client has queries about your area of expertise, take the opportunity to share information that will help them better understand what you do. This will help to build confidence and trust in the process while also helping the client to feel more engaged in the intricacies of the process. In sharing your knowledge, go above and beyond to provide as much comprehensive information as you can.
Be Open and Be Yourself
Relationships work best when both parties are honest and open. Be honest about your capabilities, skills and how long it takes to complete a project, for example. It can be tempting to want to avoid uncomfortable confrontation or appear agreeable by withholding the truth or telling a client what you think they want to hear. Express your honest opinions and clients will respect your candid nature and desire to provide true opinions.
Exceed Expectations
One of the best ways to build stable client relationships is to create a reputation as a consultant who delivers exceptional results. Provide all clients with your best service regardless of whether they are a small business or a fortune 500 company. At the end of the day, you never know who your client may know or refer you to. Moreover, it’s incredibly fulfilling when a client considers you to be a trusted partner.
Building lasting relationships with clients primarily involves being dependable. Find out what your client values and go out of your way to deliver beyond their expectations. The trick is to utilize your skills and expertise to provide services in a manner that your clients will appreciate.