“It’s a jungle out there.” That’s a phrase most commonly used to describe an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environment. In today’s business world, the “jungle” could just as easily describe how competitive the modern marketplace has become. Due to a myriad of factors, including the ease of data transfers as well as the decreased reliance on printing and manufacturing, it is not unusual for companies to have ten times as many competitors as they had just ten years ago.
So how can you distinguish yourself in a marketplace where you may no longer be top dog?
One way is through the establishment and maintenance of personal relationships with your clients. This can transcend and insulate your company against the latest industry trend or even a competitive marketing campaign.
In her “Developing Personal Relationships with Clients” blog entry, Alyssa Gregory says that the key to these relationships is communication. She writes, “Just like any relationship, the driving factor behind this is communication, whether it’s online or off.”
Some ways to keep the lines of communication open and develop a relationship with clients:
- Keep in touch with your clients and check in with them often and unsolicited.
- Feel free to “take their temperature” as you can best gauge their satisfaction this way.
- Try to prove yourself helpful.
- Show prescience and spot possible needs before they’ve even alerted you to them.
Theo McLanahan writes in Why Communicating With Clients is an Essential Business Skill: “Keeping an open line of communication with clients is extremely important. This way you can keep them well informed.” He goes on to say that you should “remember that your client can’t physically see you, so communicating frequently will help calm any concerns they might have.”
I propose that making a point of communicating with your clients regularly should be common practice. Do not wait until they reach out to you. Be proactive because not only can you save time and aggravation for them, but you’ll be saving a client for yourself and your company.