The world has turned upside down, gone for a hike and done a backflip during the last few months. As a result, working life (and every other aspect of life) has not been the same, and it’s unlikely to resume to any state of “normal” in the immediate future. Despite this, we still have work to do, and it can be difficult to know how and when to interact with clients. The gut impulse would be to leave them alone, but it’s probably the wrong one. So, how do you maintain client relationships during difficult times? Well my friends, read on to find out…
First Step, Check In
There is no use avoiding the issue. We all know what’s happening right now, and we’re all affected. Why not send a friendly email to ask how your clients are? Leave out the work business initially so that you can really find out how they are feeling. They will appreciate your interest further down the line.
Recognise How They’ve Been Affected
You may need something from your client, but now’s not the time to be impatient. Perhaps they are struggling more than you. Be understanding about the situation and you will maintain the relationship in the future.
Share Your Experiences
Sharing is caring. Be open about how you’re feeling too. A relationship works both ways, so it’s good to share a little bit. Perhaps you might even have some tips for your clients for coping in this strange situation.
Provide Something Your Client Can Engage With
Is your target audience millennials? Or are they corporate types? Either way, you can engage with them in multiple different ways, including blog posts, Zoom workshops or IG memes. It’s 2020, so it’s OK to think outside of the box.
Make Sure You Appear Active
Even if business is really, really awful right now, you don’t want clients or worse, potential clients, to notice. You need to give everyone the impression that everything is sunshine and rainbows, even if it really is a thunderstorm underneath. Make sure your online presence is thriving and positive, that way you’ll attract people to your business.
Plan For The Future
While we’re all hoping that this doesn’t happen again, it’s always a possibility. So, use this time to think about how you can strengthen client relationships should this happen again. It’s always good to be prepared!
Text Lizzy Vartanian
