Do you deal with business clients every day? Are you someone who needs help with developing firm relationships or building trust with your clients? If so, you are at the right place! Read on to discover seven simple and viable ways to win over your client.
1. Establish a Relationship Outside of Business
While it is a given that you need to spend most of your time, energy, and effort on the project, you may also need to be there for your clients on a personal level. To build trust and credibility, you must show that you are genuinely interested in forming a relationship with them outside of work.
It can get tricky depending on the type of personality the client has, but that is just something you will have to work on. While we would refrain from endeavoring to force a friendship, we should instead, try to identify or observe an opportunity in which we can connect easily. For example, you may find your client has an interest in animals or cooking or travelling. By asking the right questions, look for an area where both of you have a mutual interest.
Once you pick up on a common area, start telling any relevant stories that you might have, engage in conversation, and most importantly, let them know about your life and personality too. The more honest, genuine and transparent you are in your conversations, the higher the likelihood you will move towards building a relationship.
2. Arrange Face-to-Face Meetings
It is no secret that meeting in person gives off a more personal vibe and takes you one step closer to winning over your client.
This way, you can show them that you are sincere towards them and the project. It is basic human nature; a face-to-face conversation is better in every way. While communicating through texts and emails is efficient and productive, it still does not carry the emotional cues necessary to signal a positive image of yourself and your brand.
3. Do not Make Commitments You Cannot Fulfil
Learn to say no; and confidently too. Do not feel embarrassed about something that you cannot do for the client. It is far better to let them know upfront than provide expectations of delivery and fail miserably later.
4. Give Them Hand-Written Thank You Cards
Not only are hand-written cards going to portray a sincere and friendly image from your side, but they will also make your client feel that they are special.
Thank them for their cooperation with thank you cards that you have written by yourself. Do not hesitate to add in a little gift to show more appreciation! A hand-written card always exemplifies the fact you have taken extra effort.
5. Do not Keep Secrets – Especially Bad News
A simple guideline to follow is to communicate frequently. This includes both good and bad news. Delaying bad or unpleasant news reduces credibility and diminishes trust.
6. Respond to Them Right Away
To introverts like me, as tempting it is to quickly write up an email and be done with communication for the day, you need to indulge in human interaction regularly, especially if your relationship with your clients is at stake.
NEVER be out of reach. Be reachable – always. Of course, be cognizant of the fact you are not in an “always on” mode, which can also have adverse effects on your well-being.
If you cannot answer calls right away, send a message back indicating you will call them back. This shows courtesy and acknowledges the call. Once you are available to call back, do so the moment you can. Show them that you care deeply about their comfort and the project.
7. Be Authoritative and Confident
Show your clients that you are reliable and will get the job done with excellent quality and remarkable efficiency. While it is incredibly important to only make promises that you can fulfill, you should also make promises that you know you can keep.
Displaying confidence from the outset will not only impress your client, but will also build their trust in your brand once you get the job done!
