Working with your clients is one thing, but building a stable client relationship is worth more! The reality is no clients means no business, so treating the ones you do have with extra care is essential for growth. The longer you work together, the more you understand the ins and outs of their business and the stronger your relationships become. Your clients begin to know you and your working habits and trust that you can get the job done!
REFERRALS
Word-of-mouth is gold for your business! People are more likely to work with you if they know someone who had a positive experience. Referrals are also the best source of free marketing and are much more reliable than a random hire. So, going above and beyond is a quick way to keep your clients happy and show that you care about their work.
Adapt to your client’s needs and always be one step ahead. Happy clients tend to be the best advocates for getting new clients. If they genuinely enjoy working with you, they will tell their friends and family that you’re their go-to!
You can ask for referrals as well. If you have done a great job, your clients will happily pass your information to someone they know.
CONSISTENT WORK
The stronger your relationships, the more consistent work you will have because there’s a trust factor. Building trust also leads to long-term client relationships, which ultimately means a more consistent income for you.
When you start in your business, it can be tricky trying to find consistent work. Keep showing up and providing value to your clients. It won’t take long for them to notice that you’re an asset to their team and continue to give you more work.
Consistent work means your clients trust you behind-the-scenes of their business. The more work you do, the more familiar you become with the backend.
Many of my best clients are repeat contract clients because of the relationships we have built along the way.
THEY’RE HUMAN TOO
Get to know your clients on a personal level. Learn who they are and show interest in their life outside of their work. Maybe they’re having a baby or moving offices! Show them a little love by sending a small gift or note their way to commemorate it. A little gesture can go a long way.
The freelancer/client relationship is much different than an employee/employer. Don’t feel like you need to separate your personal life entirely from your clients. Be transparent. If something comes up and you can’t do a specific task, let your clients know. They will understand that life happens and will be more than willing to work with you.
The difference between an employee and a freelancer is that as a freelancer, you and your client work as a team. You become collaborators, and you work with each other, not for each other.
Solid client relationships take time but build a solid foundation, and you’re off to a great start! Remember that your clients are human too. In today’s digital world, connecting with your clients on a more personal level can set you apart from other people. Genuine connections are rare to find in the digital world, so go the extra mile for your clients, and they’ll do the same for you.
If you need some extra help with the behind-the-scenes of your business, let’s chat. I’d love to help! I also share some of my favorite business tips and tricks on my Instagram. NextTop 5 Organizational Tools Any Business Owner Needs
