Are you someone who works in an industry where you deal with clients on a daily basis? What about industry… Do all of your clients tend to belong to one particular industry or is it a mix of industries? Either way, we have some tips to help you with managing your clients in the most effective way possible, regardless of which industry they are in!
Start Off On The Right Foot
If it’s your first time meeting the client, there is a bit of prep you can do before your arrival to make sure you are making the best use of your time while you are with the client. Aim to create a small list of objectives or things you don’t want to forget to cover. If you can anticipate questions that the client might ask, such as pricing or examples of past work, then it’s good to organize that in advance. Prepping is a great way to gather yourself and your thoughts before the meeting, while showing the client that you are reliable. Be sure to have your business cards ready to hand out at a moments notice too because you never know when they might come in handy!
Make It Easy To Connect
After your initial meeting and first impressions, you want to make sure you make it as easy as possible for the client to connect with you, whether it be by e-mail, phone, or Skype. You want it to be as effortless as possible for them to reach you! It’s a good idea to make all of your contact info readily available by attaching it to your e-mail signature or including it on your LinkedIn profile. Another great way to make it easy to connect is by making sure that all of your most pertinent and current contact information is included in your business card, so that the client has everything they need right at their fingertips!
Hiring The Right People For The Job
You want to make sure your staff is representing your brand accurately and effectively. The bottom line is that if you don’t have the right people on your staff, you are ultimately doomed to fail! Be selective about who you choose and really take the time to scope out a “people person” when you are looking to create your team for success. It’s also advised that you aim to keep your work staff happy, because everyone knows that happy workers make for happy clients, regardless of which industry your customers come from!
Taking The Time To Listen
When you are dealing with customers coming from a variety of industries, it’s crucial that you take the time to listen to their needs and take an individual approach to their situation. Maybe they have had bad luck in the past and are nervous about starting a new business relationship with you? Maybe they don’t understand what you do fully, but know that it’s something they need for their business to be successful? Whatever the client’s story may be, it’s important to listen and make them feel heard because when they feel their needs are understood and taken into consideration, they will trust both you and the work you do.
Equality Among Clients
Though not every client is the easiest to work with, you want to be sure you aren’t playing any favorites or making one feel more important than the other. It’s important to treat all your clients equally and give them all the same consideration and effort. Remember, if you give your client respect when they are having a difficult time, they’ll be more forgiving should you make a mistake or hit a bump in the road… It’s a two way street!
