5 WAYS TO COMMUNICATE WITH CLIENTS
Most of us have internal and external clients with whom we maintain contact. What are ways to stay in touch?
1. Phone: Email has become the traditional way to communicate status reports when working on a project. However, we’re all inundated with email. To get someone’s attention, calling—or leaving a voice mail—is a superior way to get your message through the clutter.
Look through your calendar and find people with whom you had lunch or coffee within the last 24 months or so. Phoning “out of the blue,” with no reason to call except to say hello, will always be appreciated. This is an excellent way to circle back with clients, as well as family, friends, and colleagues.
2. Online. In addition to regular email, watch the action on LinkedIn, FaceBook, and other social networking sites for updates on clients and colleagues. Connect and join online groups that are of interest to you and your clients.
3. Send Mail. A snail-mail letter, card, or invitation will sit on someone’s desk and remind that person of you. Emailed newsletters are an excellent way to stay in touch. And you can use your email auto signature to convey tag lines and contact information. When sending email, be sure to include your contact information on all correspondence.
4. In Person. There’s nothing like seeing someone in person. Pop down the hall; schedule an in-person, follow-up appointment; or invite a client or colleague to an event. Nothing says “I care about you and how you’re doing” more than making and taking time to see someone in person.
Consider ways to support your clients on their projects. Ask if there’s anything that you can do to help. Consciously look for opportunities to connect people in your network with each other. If it is appropriate, or during the holidays, bring a token gift, such as a plant, to say you are thinking about them.
5. Events. Attend industry and professional events. Invite clients and colleagues. Event organizers always like a full house.
Host or co-host events, speak at professional associations, and volunteer selectively to maintain visibility with your clients and within your industry.
Out of sight is really out of mind. Maintain contact with your clients and professional network. It’s a great way to form and maintain career-long friendships.
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