The past couple of years have been a challenge for many businesses – new, old, big, small. There are still factors outside our control. But one thing we can do is focus on looking after our clients as dedicatedly and resourcefully as we can. Here’s how to nurture rock-solid relationships in an uncertain world…
Although Britain has long since emerged from lockdown, some businesses are still struggling. It’s important to check in with your client and empathise with their situation. What are they struggling with? What can you do to help? Be proactive: think (outside boxes and beyond comfort zones) about ways to add value – and share your ideas.
Your brilliance could save the day
As a creative entrepreneur, your innovative imagination may prove invaluable to your clients and stakeholders. Are there new ways you could be doing things or new things you could be doing? Could you adapt your services and leverage your resources to suit your clients’ needs?
Here are some tips on looking after your existing clients and attracting new ones:
For existing clients:
- Take time to assess who’s struggling and may need a little more help than usual.
- Maintain transparency and visibility – ask clients how their business is doing and what they need – the more you understand, the more you can help them.
- Don’t be afraid to take a temporary step back if your clients are too swamped dealing with other things (check in again in a week or two).
When leveraging new clients:
- Re-focus your efforts on building a client pipeline.
- Assess potential new clients – what businesses are in need, who’s hiring, where and how can you help?
- ALWAYS do client development work – speak to as many people as you can, see how they’re doing, what they need, if you can help.
- Assess all opportunities that come your way – can you take them on and be of help?
Think carefully about whether you can restructure your offering. And don’t be afraid to speak up. Leverage EVERY digital channel there is. If one sphere fails, have an alternative ready. Don’t just rely on emails to communicate and foster relationships. For example…
Video is now more important than ever
You can use videos to transform the way you present yourself, easily and inexpensively. There’s no need for complex setup or software – you have everything you need in your pocket (your smartphone). It’s easy to analyse how well your video has worked and been received. Also, you can reach more people by offering something digitally (such as a workshop or demo) rather than in person.
LinkedIn is one of the best tools for building up your network. Use it to:
- Offer active advice based on your expertise.
- Deliver value through posts about your service.
- Cultivate connections and reach out to people.
- Ask people in your network if they know others who might be interested in your service.
Want to learn more about lavishing love on your clients (existing and potential)? Feel free to plunder our Knowledge bank.
The above article was inspired by one of our Zoom Dives with Filippos Protogeridis, an award-winning digital product designer – and creator of selfstart: a brilliant platform that educates and empowers individuals to build their own careers.
A Zoom Dive is a deep-delving discussion between our founder, Carolyn Dailey and a handpicked business expert from the creative world. Fancy catching our next Zoom Dive, live? See our Events calendar and sign up for free.