Yesterday, of course, was Valentine’s Day. I know there are folks who think it’s a Hallmark holiday and prefer to ignore the day entirely, but I have a soft spot for celebrating love. What I love most about Valentine’s Day is that it can be about so many different kinds of love and romance. I believe it’s a day for everyone, regardless of relationship status. Maybe this year your Valentine was your mom or your best friend or your son. Or yourself!
Or, even better, how about your clients?
After we’ve signed a new client or bride, it’s very easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of getting their event done perfectly. But just because you’ve been hired and are working really hard, doesn’t mean you can assume your client is happy. You have to romance your clients through every step of their event.
In other words, your client should be your valentine every single day.
The last thing you want is for one of your clients to feel ignored. As soon as they feel ignored, they will, understandably, start to get anxious. Remember, their event, whether it’s a wedding, a birthday party or a fundraiser, is extremely important to them, and you and your work are a reflection of them. Your relationship is personal and can sometimes even feel surprisingly intimate. So treat them right! Just like you would your sweetheart.
Reach out to all of your current clients regularly. For some clients that may mean you check in — briefly — every day. For others, every few days or once a week may be sufficient.
Whenever you check in, though, be sure to ask if they have any questions and if there’s anything they’re concerned about. Give them updates on their event and what you’re working on for them that day.
Be sure, too, to pay attention to how they like to communicate. If you call and leave a voice mail message, do they respond with an email? If so, they prefer email. If you get especially chummy with a client who loves texting, maybe you’ll text back and forth. Let them choose your primary means of communication.
If it’s their birthday, anniversary, or some other special occasion, send them a card or even flowers.
And, last but certainly not least, always remember to listen, listen, listen! What details about their lives, their tastes and their design visions do your clients share with you? Nothing is more important than their answers. Listening is key to romance, communication and successful relationships of all kinds.
Dear Readers, how do you “romance” your clients?
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Categories: Blog, business advice, client relationships, making clients happy, Preston Bailey, romancing your clients, Tips, Valentine's day