As I look back on the last 20 years of my career working in a very competitive, fast-paced industry of staffing, many major components come to mind as the essential ingredients to a successful client relationship.
Here are five ways I build a long-lasting relationships with my clients and eventually develop them into great friendships.
- Communication from both parties. It must be open, honest, timely, efficient and prompt. I prefer phone over email any day. If you are up against the wall and not sure if the email will be effective, pick-up the phone.
- Sharing industry specific knowledge is key. Don’t be afraid to inform the client of changes in the industry. For example, what the market dictates in a specific salary increases, expediting offers of employment and legal changes in employment.
- Always acknowledge my client not only as an individual but eventually a friend that is a consultative resource for them, anytime.
- Be open, honest and realistic.
- Most importantly exceed expectations.
These five basic steps have been around for decades—truth be told, many of us may utilize this list when interacting with our spouses, family and friends. As the saying goes, “What is old is new again!”