Client management.

Recently I've been talking to a lot of my clients about how they manage their own clients, their systems and also I've been taking a long hard look at how I manage my clients and associates. Truth is that stuff takes time.

But it's worth it, because at the end of the day if the people dont enjoy their experience with you, then what is the point in it all?

So here's a few tips from me to you- for every business owner- effective and personable client management tools right here-

1.Work out what your boundaries are-

Do you have set working days/times?

Do you have a rule about not texting?

Do you prefer to speak to your clients via calls?

Take some time to work out what YOU want for your day to day life, This will be helpful for step 2.

2. Establish the best methods of communication between you and your client-

Ask your client their preferred methods of communication, and discuss the methods you tend to find most effective (thinking about step 1 here!)

It could be that you will only communicate via one platform, email for example. Or you may find yourself communicating over multiple platforms- email/text and CRM tool.

It might be frustrating for some, but for others who are busy and need short bursts of information or if you need a quick approval system that this may work well.

It really depends on the person and the relationship, and what you've decided for yourself boundary wise. There is no right or wrong answer, unless YOU and YOUR CLIENT don't like it!

Either way this is crucial as it may effect the entire flow of your working relationship.

3. Let the client know what is going to happen next and how you're going to follow up.

This is applicable in most situations, discovery calls, initial consultations, meetings with a client you've had for 4 years! You should be setting out the path that follows after you've spoken to the client. This sets the pace of the work and keeps things from becoming stagnant and time consuming for the both of you.

4. Be clear about what you expect, (and when) from the client to start (and continue) your working relationship.

See step 3!

5. Put time aside for client management and communication in your week.

Whether that be email catch ups or monthly update calls. Remember that nurturing your current client relationships is just as important as completing the work and finding new clients.

6. Work Smarter.

Scheduling your week. Blocking out your work tasks. Keeping to your calendar.

But what about your individual client processes? There is serious potential for a client process to get out dated very quickly!

Things change dude, people are always moving the goal posts and life gets in the way!

Especially when you're working with ambitious business owners who are moving at the speed of light in body and mind!

So... set aside some time each week/ or month (let's be realistic) to review each of your clients workload and see if there is a slightly easier or more time efficient way for you, and your client to be doing things, it might be that the changes only need to happen on your end.

And if so great for you!

But if not, then you're establishing trust with your client and they can feel safe in the knowledge that you are continuously looking to improve things, with their interests and businesses in mind.

And if you're a business owner and reading this, that is what it's all about isnt it!

Giving the client your personal touch and driving their goals so they walk away happy and content with your services.

If you’re looking for more assistance with your business processes

or for ways to improve how you interact with your clients, You can book in a client discovery call with me here!