It’s important to build solid business relationships with your clients.  Then these clients will not only keep coming back, but also refer others to you.  So many businesses will tell you that one of the reasons they don’t hire a virtual assistant or other entrepreneur or continue to work with them is because of the lack of communication.  It can be that they didn’t respond back promptly to their initial request for a proposal or information on their services, or that while working with them they neglected to communicate effectively.  No matter the cause, these tips should help!

Tips for better client relations:

#1 – It’s critical to establish right from the beginning how you will handle the communications with your clients. Once clients know what to expect, it’s easier for them to work with you and avoids any second-guessing of what is happening with their work.  Some things to consider – if e-mailing, what is the standard turnaround time that you respond back to emails?  Do you want recognition of all emails by a simple “received” back or “done” when the work is complete?   Once a client knows when they will hear from you, then they can plan their work accordingly.

But it goes further than just those emails.  Establish right in the beginning how often you will meet with them to discuss work via the phone, etc.  It’s the little things that count and often businesses look to you for how you want this to look.

#2 – Proof your work, even the emails back to them.  If in a rush you write back your client and there are 10 typos in there, your clients are going to worry, big time.  Now we aren’t saying every email has to be perfect, but always present a very professional image.  When they see major typos everywhere they might fear that the work you do for them will be similar. Plus, with the work, we’ve all had it happen. Your client responds back that there has been a mistake or a typo. Ouch.  We can’t be perfect, but be as close as you can.  Proof and reproof your work.  Also, if possible wait until the material is fresh and reread it again.  And with all work reread the instructions and while doing the work, make sure you have a complete understanding of what needs done.

#3 – Always go above and beyond for your clients.  You will be rewarded with more work and lots of word of mouth referrals too.  Listen to what they say. It’s so easy to get busy and listen with half an ear, or try and talk too much about your business.  Being a good listener is a valuable asset.

Decide when work should be completed and always make your deadlines and avoid excuses.  Remember your clients are counting on you and often they have a lot at stake with the work you are doing for them.  Don’t let them down.

Remember that you are establishing a partnership relationship with your clients.   Also, let them know that you appreciate referrals so that they can help in your success.  It can be a two-way street with this partnership.

Hope you enjoyed these tips.  Love your comments below.

Diana Ennen, Author:  VA the Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and So You Want to be a Work at Home Mom