 7
Ways to Build Client Relationships
by Wendi J McNeill
Be nice - I know it sounds pretty elementary but if you think about
this for a minute it will make sense. How many people do you run across in a day
that are crabby and in a sour mood? You don’t want to interact with them nor be
around them and certainly you don’t want to do business with them. If you’re
having a bad day and can’t seem to turn it around then don’t interact with your
clients, because one bad day can turn a client in the other direction or a
potential client running to someone else. People don’t like to do business with
grumpy and irritable people!
Follow up – Most people today are so busy and don’t have enough hours
in the day, but you have to understand the importance of following up with both
potential clients and also with your current clients. The simple act of
following up will not only make you stand out from your competitors but will let
your clients know that you do care about them. Successful follow up actions can
simply include an email, handwritten letters, eZines, greeting cards, an
invitation to an event, or a phone call. You want to choose follow up actions
that will fit your style and remember to do them on a regular basis. If you can
consistently implement follow up actions into your business then you will be
amazed at how much your network grows. Remember people are what count, not just
another sale or client to add to your list. Make them feel special and let them
know you do care. Try picking up the phone today just to say “Hello”
Give of yourself – Most people today think about what they can get
from other people, how they can advance in their careers or grow their business.
Let’s turn this around and consider what you can give your clients and your
network that will help them grow or help them solve a problem. Give from your
heart, not expecting in return. You might be amazed at the results. Keep in mind
that building relationships is a two way street that begins with you, don’t be
greedy and self-absorbed. Always approach relationships in a generous, giving,
and positive manner.
Trust – Yes, this is an important one because most people will not do
business with anyone they don’t trust. Start your relationships off with being
honest, giving what you promised and always keeping your word. First make
yourself known to your audience, your network and then you want to build
relationships to the highest level of trust. Always work with integrity!
Eye contact – If you are going to be interacting with people in
public, make eye contact with them when speaking to them, don’t talk to the
clouds or the floor but directly to them. You will be surprised at how you can
set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd by simply smiling and making eye
contact.
Gift giving - Build stronger relationships with gift giving. I don’t
mean this in the sense of trying to buy business or buy new clients, but if you
know a client is sick or going through a difficult time simply send them a nice
gift or you can send an email or pick up the phone and give them a call to let
them know you’re there if they need anything. This action reflects back to the
tip above on just being nice. If you were to turn the situation around and you
were the one going through a difficult time wouldn’t it be nice to receive a
nice email or phone call? Wouldn’t that lift your spirits? Sure it would, so
remember to have a giving heart and not expect anything in return but know that
you have made someone’s day.
Be yourself – Once again pretty basic. Most people do not like to work
with others who are phony. You will get much further in life and be so much
happier in just being yourself! The most important part of your identity is just
being yourself. When doing business and developing relationships be in the habit
of being authentic, it pays and will work to your benefit, plus your not
spending the time and energy involved in being something your not. Your
clients/potential clients are very intelligent and have a keen sense of
perception and they will definitely sense your insincerity. Don’t brand yourself
or your company as being fake because it will take sometime to pull yourself out
plus it is the wrong foundation to building strong, honest and healthy
relationships.
There are numerous ways to build relationships and many of them will tie
together, just remember to be nice, pleasant, be yourself, and always work with
integrity. Remember to treat your clients the way you want to be treated.
About the author:
Wendi
McNeill founder of Charli Jane Speaker Services has been opening doors of
opportunity for speakers since 2002.
If you would like to learn more or work with Wendi please visit her online at
www.CharliJane.com
Also, be sure and check out the
GetFoundNowClub.com for public speakers.
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