Forging solid business relationships appears to be straightforward at first glance, however, these ties seek time, struggle and tact’s. Nevertheless, a gateway to a successful business. – it’s a common view and true also but what should be the approach to earn the loyalty of clients? In this article, I have penned down my thoughts regarding it.
“Ideas pull the trigger but instinct loads the gun”
Don Marquis
1. Be in your comfort zone
If you are not capable enough, the other company can. When engaged in a discussion with a client, we tend to intensify the explanation and roll more on negativities rather than a positive side. When again you face the same scenario; talk about your skills, give right details, and be honest in your approach and tell frankly that you can’t offer. For instance, instead of: We cannot deliver your product today. We need more time for preparation, but you will get the highest at the best price on the market, you could inform: We give you the highest quality on the market at the best price, we can prove it; but in order to give you that, we will need a short deadline extension. Will you be able to extend the deadline to get the best there is or settle for what you can get today?
2. Rephrase your apology
It’s my solemn belief that “mistakes are a proof that you are learning”. It’s natural to do the mistakes while doing work and foremost thing is the courage to admit it. However, the way you concede really makes a difference upon your connection with your client.
Nevertheless, it may be good at first sight to open with; First of all, I am sorry for the …, avoid it and rephrase so that your first impression with a positive message, such as: Thank you for giving us your precious time to process your request. We appreciate your business and we are trying our best to cater your needs to fullest. However, we have encountered a small problem, which has delayed the project but your project is under the supervision and right now we are fixing it.
Another thing – never say, “sorry for the inconvenience”- its redundant and annoying too. Yes, it has caused inconvenience, how would you have felt when one of your providers was 3 days late in sending you the product you urgently wanted? Instead, reassure your clients and make them comfortable by offering something real, something they can put their finger on, like giving a discount on the project or to next one. You’ll figure something out for sure!
3. Put yourself into his/her shoes.
Don’t judge a person if you are not perfect. Am I right? It completely makes sense. A person shouldn’t be judged until you have walked in his shoes a mile, which introduces us to the upcoming point- sail in the same boat and then make a deep assessment. What would you want? What sort of attitude do you expect from collaborators while talking about essentials of the project?
It mirrors you about your oversights, where you have been off-base with your clients? It will certainly lighten your exasperation as you get in the head of the person standing in front of you, but you need to learn about the business morals, peculiarities of the job. Stress is laid by specialists on pointing out that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is far more noteworthy than IQ and could give better results in business communication.
Anyhow, if you get into the skin of character, it works like wonders!
4. Be human
You cannot work like a robot and client is fully acquainted with it. So small exchange of words really develops a sense of rapport. Show positive gestures, ask them about their kids, weather, or anything they would love to talk about.
Your small steps to enhance a connection will reward you with a faster reaction from their side, they will become more malleable and it will be fun to work with you.
5. No more personal talks!
Be in your line! Don’t try to schmooze. You could tilt to awkward behaviour that takes you out of line. sounds unprofessional! Don’t ask them for beer or for a date or for a family holiday, till you start sharing personal relation that is a step ahead of professionalism.
Otherwise, Stay in a professional line and try hard to take your clients into your confidence through your work that results- this will definitely bring your hard work into the clients notice and what’s rest? Enjoy their attention.
6. Professionalism is admirable.
Don’t nod on those deadlines that are beyond your reach. In such a competitive environment, sometimes you need to promise the Moon to get good clients in one’s satchel. Don’t put yourself into that! It will give you nothing but a derogatory remark and an unsatisfied client. Stick to the honesty – be straightforward and exactly tell them about your cost and turnaround time to give them the best.
7. Why not calling?
Busy with the work! But not so much that you don’t have even time to call your clients and notify them about a progress of the project. Calling your client once in a while will actually prove fruitful.
We all are obsessed with emails and they are so unresponsive, better for the flow of information but bad for human relations. It takes a second to write an Email but calling or meeting a client will certainly make a difference.
So next time, give a call and explain your idea rather than writing an Email. This will not only convey your ideas in a better way but also boost the confidence of client that their projects are in safe hands. This will show your dedication and hard work to clients and more sporting chances of your enrollment in their future projects.
8. Don’t take it personally.
If you wish to be an ace of the game, first focus on the rules and if you fail to abide by, then this will be a big boredom for you. Don’t make it about yourself! Don’t take it personally when a client bursts at you over the phone (or over the email, via 10 question marks at the end of a sentence that doesn’t end with thanks). Don’t feel depressed if your client has an attitude of being bossy or overpowers you. They are paying and certainly will demand the best also. Don’t exaggerate the matter with acquisitions and arguments.
Take a deep breath and stay calm! Try to find the root cause of the problem. Bring positivity as not all the days are blessed with appreciations. Maybe it is your bad day as your service to them was below the line. I understand it’s hard to be the jack of all trades but simultaneously you cannot underestimate the importance of quality and afford to lose your precious clients. Don’t be apprehensive and crying is not a solution as professionals are always are on unending quest to discover new solutions. These are the norms of cut throat business and master them to leverage.
9. They’ve been there, done that, and still do that
Wow! This is easy- think about a child’s reaction to a present in a box –Not possible to fake! Fantastic work! Strive for this to listen from your clients rather than just selling the product. Honest, spontaneous and overwhelming reaction to your product. Think about of grabbing next project!
10. All well ends well!
You need to have a complete idea of what’s going on in your business. Put a lot of passion, work hard, strive for excellence and stay ahead.(TRANSLATION SERVICES IN NEW YORK)
No comments:
Post a Comment