How to Communicate With a Client
When your business is based on clientele, effective communication is vital to the success of your business. Failure to communicate effectively can result in the loss of a client. The loss of one client can result in the loss of many clients, especially if the first client tells of her negative experience. Three keys to effective client communication include being timely, courteous and professional.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact a potential client via email or telephone within the first 24 hours of receiving an email or telephone call from her. Responding promptly shows professionalism and courtesy. The method you use to contact the client all depends on your business model. For example, you may have an online business that only communicates through email.
-
2
Speak with the client to determine exactly what she desires from you. Explain to her what you can or cannot do. If you are uncertain about any of the client's desires, ask questions.
-
-
3
Create a written agreement when the two of you reach an oral agreement regarding the project. The written agreement should include all of the project details, as well as milestones and deadlines. Sign and date the agreement. Request that the client also sign and date the agreement.
-
4
Avoid contacting the client every single day. Instead, contact the client to let her know when a goal or agreement milestone is accomplished. By doing so, you are showing respect for your client's time, while keeping her in the loop regarding your progress. You should also contact the client, in advance, if you determine that a milestone will not be reached by the date originally agreed upon.
-
5
Use excellent grammar when communicating with a client. Refrain from using slang. If you are communicating via email, be sure to use the "spell checker" tool to check for and correct spelling and punctuation errors.
-
6
Do not send text message communication to the client, unless the client requests that you do so. If the client asks you to send text message updates, be sure to identify yourself in the text message by stating your name and the name of your business. Otherwise, the client may not know who is sending the message.
-
1
