If you have, you know that small stuff like that?...You don’t forget it and it makes a huge impact in a world where so many people are fending for themselves.
The wild part is that it might’ve only cost the person who did it a couple extra dollars or a few
extra steps…tiny investment with big emotional payoff.
This week, we’re going to be talking about doing the same thing for your clients, even if you’re thousands of miles away.
Getting Proactive
The great thing about getting in front of your clients’ needs, even in simple ways, is that it’s a ridiculously quick and simple way to build the kind of relationships that make up a successful freelance
career.
Don’t think you have to invest tons of time or effort just because we’re talking about business. The same rules from your personal life apply…Here’s a few examples…
- Reminding them of any goals they had at the beginning of your relationship—that lets them know you want to see them succeed (which is also why it’s so important to ask about goals in your kickoff interview.)
- Asking how you can
help—if you ever hear of any projects, product launches, or even frustrations they might have going on, ask how you can support them. (You might even end up with some additional work.)
- Ask how they’re doing—don’t get too personal with this, because they might not be comfortable, but some of my highest-earning relationships have included me being a sounding board where my contacts could vent about annoying colleagues, personal failures, and even family
frustrations (not too long though…your time is valuable too.)
End of the day though, it’s all about listening.
Listen to your clients’ problems and take notes and you’ll see little chances to help them out before they need it and you’ll see them popping up everywhere.
Megan
P.S. Here are the Academy resources that you’ll want
to check out this month…