(Newswire.net — July 25, 2019) — We all know what it feels like to be treated poorly as a customer, but as business owners, we probably also know what it’s like to be treated poorly by our customers or clients. Establishing and maintaining positive client relationships is often a two-way street which requires excellent communication and continued evolution to achieve the best outcomes for both parties. Respect and mutual understanding are absolutely key, even when you disagree with the other’s point of view. Keeping your clients on board and satisfied with your service will solidify your business’ future, but it’s not always easy to do. To help you improve client relationships, here are 5 tips to keep in mind at all times.
1. Keep Communicating
The frequency and method of your communication is one of the most important factors when building successful client relationships. When the client has a concern or a question, they need to be able to reach you in whatever way is best for both sides. Your communications should be focused in their needs and how you can help them to achieve their goals.
Of course, there will be times when you need to explain your procedures and ongoing projects to manage their expectations of your capacity. In most cases, as long as you are honest, clear, and proactive in your communication, clients are much more likely to trust you to accept delays or complications.
2. Maintain a Positive Attitude
A positive attitude and enthusiasm can make a huge difference in your client’s perception of your brand. Even when times are tough and you’re feeling stressed, it’s important that you don’t pass this on to clients and burden them with your worries. If you have several clients, you should never criticize or speak negatively about one client to another. This will undermine their trust in you and lead them to question your professionalism in other areas of the business.
3. Ensure Contracts and Expectations are Clear
Clarity is essential when writing up contracts with clients as it manages the expectations of both parties and prevents unrealistic goals and disappointment further down the line. If anything in your contracts could be misinterpreted, take steps to make it as transparent as possible.
4. Show Your Gratitude
The success of your business is built on your clients, so take every opportunity to show them how much you appreciate their decision to work with you. This could be as simple as including a ‘thank you for choosing us’ sign off in your correspondences or invoices, or could extend to organizing corporate hospitality events. For example, a luxury NFL Wembley hospitality package will show your appreciation and give you an opportunity to socialize with them on a more personal basis.
5. Go the Extra Mile for Them
While fulfilling the terms of your contract is a minimum, it’s the extra work you put in which will make clients stand up and take notice. If there is a way you can personalize your service their needs and exceed their expectations, do it. You could, for example, provide advice on other areas of their business which they may be struggling with which aren’t technically within the remit of your contract. If you see a product or service or even a news story which may be of interest to them, speak up and show them you’re invested in their success.