Building Your Client Relationships

Client Relationships

“I don't build in order to have clients. I have clients in order to build.”- Ayn Rand

Our clients are our business- this thought process is key to a thriving business. The key to building clientele is efficient management of relationships. Relationships are nurtured with regular and timely communication, setting realistic expectations and being open to listening to your client’s needs. 

Communication plays a large role in any relationship. Before taking on any tasks, you must make sure your client is well aware of your role. You should always be updating your client and keeping them informed. When problems occur, you must tell your client, but always be prepared with an array of options that your client could use to resolve these problems with. 

Being realistic is sometimes hard to do, but it works out for the better. When taking on tasks you must first establish a realistic set of goals with your client- be willing to say yes or no. When your client is aware of what to expect, things tend to run smoothly and there is less chance of disappointment. It is always better to “under promise and over deliver” as they say. 

No matter how long you have been in the business there is always something new to learn, whether it is a fact about a new client, or a new approach to a situation, we are all learners and we will all continue to be learners. Nothing turns a client off more than immediately jumping to solutions, because before coming up with a final solution you should listen to your client’s point of view and how they feel towards their situation and take the time to integrate them into your solution.
And of course being friendly and staying focused are important factors that will contribute to your client relationship as well!!