When I first started my work as an online marketing consultant I would speak to clients about online marketing and they would glaze over within less than a minute. My target market is business owners who know very little about online marketing. My passion is to empower business owners to understand and embrace the power of online marketing for their business.
How did I overcome the fact that most of my clients did not understand much of what I was saying to them? I built trust. I built this trust through several years of networking and built my reputation through quality work for current clients. Once a client trusts you they will give you the reins to do what needs to be done.
Clients will now say to me when I give them a rundown: “Sue, I don’t want to know about it, just do your thing?” People do not say this to you unless they trust you.
Trust in business is a valuable thing and should be treated with respect. When someone trusts you they will happily refer you to all their friends and family. They will make you a part of their business.
Here are my top tips for creating and preserving your clients trust:
- Know what you are talking about and admit it when you don’t
- Refer the client to others if the work is outside your brief
- Stick to your agreements – deliver what you agreed on when you agreed on it
- Ensure your client understands the overview of what you are doing and what this will achieve (plan and strategy)
- Know your client’s expectations and make sure they are realistic and that they understand their role
- Always speak to your client in a language that they understand – know your client
- Communicate issues as they arise – good or bad
I value the trust that my clients give me. It is a gift and the life blood of my business. Enjoy the holidays people – that’s what they are for!
Subscribe
Comments