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Success in the business world hinges on good communication. And nowhere is that more important than when you're working with a client. Whether you're pitching your services to a potential patron or holding a meeting with a long-standing customer, you need to be able to clearly communicate that you understand his or her needs and can meet those needs through your services. Here are some ways you can do this. When you contact or are contacted by a prospective client, the first thing you need to do is understand exactly what they need--either by asking them about their business in person or by having them fill out a questionnaire. No matter how you do it, you need to reach an understanding about the nature of the client's business, the audience he or she is trying to target, the background of the project or objective, and the goals and timeline of this particular endeavor. Only after you know the ins and outs of the client's problem and/ or anticipated outcome can you present your services as the perfect solution for the client's needs. Part of communicating well is presenting yourself in a professional light. You can do this by proofreading your emails before you send them (even minor spelling mistakes can make you look careless), adding a proper signature to your business emails, and answering the phone in professional manner. Always speak articulately. Don't mumble or use poor grammar. Your professionalism, and by extension your communication, should obviously extend into your meetings with the client. Schedule the meetings in advance and give yourself enough time to allow everyone to express their thoughts. In order to keep things from being too long, set a structure by preparing an agenda. Distribute you this prior to the meeting so that both you and the client can prepare accordingly, perhaps in a confirmation email the day before. During the meeting allow both parties a chance to speak. Listen carefully to the concerns your client expresses. Doing so not only demonstrates your attentiveness, it also allows you to do your job to meet the client's needs. As a final step in effective communication, after the meeting, send out a summary of was discussed, and note the action items and deadlines that were agreed upon by both sides. Invite your client's feedback, so that the process remains collaborative and efficient. As a result of your professional communication, your business will grow. Clients will recommend you to colleagues and will return themselves for help on future projects. The way you communicate will build your reputation--for better or for worse--so don't underestimate its importance. Keep these things in mind the next time a potential client finds you in the New York, Washington DC or Tulsa business directory.
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