Here's How to Make the Most Out of Your Client Relationships How to help your customers without wasting your time, or theirs.
By Nina Zipkin
You want to make your clients happy but not at the expense of the other tasks you must do to keep your business up and running.
Here are five tips to make the most out of your client relationships in a way that won't have a negative affect your day-to-day productivity.
1. Set time limits.
Before you speak to your client, very politely let them know that you have to go to another appointment or jump on another call after your meeting. Also, let them know when you have 10 or 15 minutes left. That way when the hour is up, all of their major questions have been answered.
Related: 5 Things You Never Should Say to a Client
2. Stop the never-ending email chains.
When you send emails be as concise and specific as possible: say why you're writing, get to the central point as soon as possible and then wrap up with a quick recap. Encourage your colleagues to do the same.
Related: How to Stop the Time Suck of Customer Relationships
3. Stay organized.
If you find your client needs items to be sent over multiple times, change up your communication strategy and send notes that discuss one subject at a time. Or if you are both constantly updating documents or plans, consider putting everything in the cloud or in Google Drive.
Related: 4 Reasons Why Customers Vanish Without a Word
4. Keep up-to-date records.
When you work together on projects, keep in-depth notes or meeting minutes, so if there is any confusion about instructions or an explanation, you can refer back to a concrete document or recording.
5. Know when one project ends and another begins.
If your client is continually asking for just one more thing, send over a project proposal, time table and fees for your additional work.
For more tips, check out the video above.
Related: If You Want Happy Customers, Do These 5 Things (Infographic)
