Rock Your Client Game: 7 Take-Charge Moves for Small Biz Pros
Take client relationships from "meh" to "heck yeah!" by doing killer work while taking care of your clients like a pro. Here are seven game-changing strategies to level up your client game:
(BTW, this works for your internal clients just as well!)
Lock in your work groove.
Set normal working hours and do your best to stick to it.
Get serious about those work hours! Set some solid boundaries to smash your tasks without burning out. It's all about balance, staying focused and getting the work done well.
Drawing from personal experience, as an independent consultant, it's tempting to let your calendar become crowded with opportunities, but what truly optimizes your workflow? While it's crucial to prioritize client needs, work smart and manage expectations effectively by establishing fixed hours for focused client work, within the limits of your capacity and flexibility.
2. Hack your way to success .
Try this simple journaling technique for reflecting on your work.
Why settle for good when you can be great? Constantly ask yourself, "How can I do this better?" Dive deep into post-project debriefs: Review what happened, reflect on what went well and what could have gone smoother, and refine your process for next time. Journaling and reflective debriefing are vital for personal and professional growth. Set aside regular time in a comfortable space to explore your thoughts authentically. Choose your preferred medium—journal, digital platform, or voice memos. Use prompts to guide your reflection on specific events or themes. Be honest, express gratitude, set goals, and review regularly. Seek feedback and celebrate successes. Through consistent reflection, cultivate self-awareness and resilience for continuous improvement.
3. Be You-nique.
Play to your strengths.
Yes, learn from others, but don’t copy them. Embrace your own quirks and style and let them shine in everything you do. It's your uniqueness that sets you apart in a sea of sameness, so determine your strengths and use them to catapult your service to others.
To better play to your strengths, start with a thorough self-assessment to identify your talents and areas of excellence. Seek feedback from others to gain additional insights. Focus on tasks and activities that energize you, as these often align with your strengths. Delegate or outsource tasks that fall outside your strengths to free up time for activities where you excel. Continuously invest in your development to enhance your existing strengths and acquire new ones. Set goals that leverage your strengths, and seek out environments that support and amplify them. Practice self-confidence and believe in your abilities. Look for opportunities to apply your strengths in new and challenging ways, and celebrate your successes along the way.
By intentionally leveraging your strengths, you can enhance your performance, increase your satisfaction, and achieve greater success.
4. “Tech” it next level.
Project manage your way to success.
Your toolbox is your secret weapon. Master those apps, platforms, and gadgets to supercharge your workflow. Whether it's Trello for project management or Canva for killer designs, tech-savvy equals efficiency. Carve out a few hours each week to master a new tool.
5. Face time, anytime.
Embrace the human experience.
Zoom meetings are convenient, but nothing beats that face-to-face magic. Whenever you can, ditch the screens and meet your clients in person. The energy is real, and the connections provide a deeper way to connect. But be strategic about when to have virtual vs. in-person meetings.
The impact of face-to-face meetings on relationship building, negotiation outcomes, and overall business success is indisputable. Surveys conducted by networking platforms like LinkedIn often reveal that professionals value face-to-face interactions for building rapport and establishing meaningful connections. While specific statistics may vary, the consensus among experts and practitioners is that in-person meetings play a vital role in effective communication and relationship development in the consulting industry and beyond.
7. Nature vibes FTW!
Feeling stuck? Step outside and soak in that natural goodness. A walk in the park or a hike in the hills does wonders for clearing your mind and sparking fresh ideas. Nature is the ultimate reset button.
Angela Klinske helps leaders establish their rightful presence in the communities they serve. Through effective communications and PR strategy, Angela helps leaders build their brand, presence and authenticity with valued stakeholders. Learn how Mixed Media PR can help you develop solid communications and PR strategy for your business.
