“Communication breakdown it’s always the same” – Led Zeppelin
As Led Zeppelin sang, “communication breakdown, it’s always the same.”
Communication issues can happen when a process breaks down or a procedure isn’t followed. Adhering to a set of guidelines will help you avoid communication problems with clients.
The following quick tips will help you determine the right channel, process and style for successful communication. These tips will help you and your client build stronger relationships and create better business results.
1. Select Your Channel
Think about the best channel for your audience. Do they prefer face-to-face, messenger or phone? Using channels your audience prefers helps you get in sync with their communication style.
2. Check the Channel Against the Context
Ask, “What’s the best communication tool for the situation?” It could be a text message if you need a quick response, a phone call for a challenging conversation or email to recap key points.
3. Be Responsive
Clients count on you to be reachable when needed. By being responsive to your customer’s needs you show their business is a priority. You demonstrate reliability and build trust.
4. Keep Clients In the Know
Clients appreciate when they know the status of a project. Provide peace of mind by letting clients know where projects stand, what the next step will be and by communicating important changes.
5. Avoid Misunderstanding
A misunderstanding can cause lost time, resources and hurt a relationship. Gain better understanding by confirming expectations, clarifying areas you’re unclear about and recapping agreed-upon next steps.
6. Lead with Communication
Demonstrate leadership to your client with communication. Check-in about questions, provide updates and reports to show you’re on top of the business and follow-up to confirm deliverables are on schedule.
7. Add Structure
Automate your communication by making it a process. Identify procedures such as a weekly status report, quarterly business reviews and annual planning. Document the procedures so they happen according to plan.
8. Communicate Issues
When problems come up listen to the client and gain insight to their needs. Let the client know you understand the problem and you are working to resolve it. Continue to provide updates until the issue is resolved. Show the client you are by their side in challenging times.
9. Communication Style
Communicate with your client like someone you would want to do business with. Have a friendly, professional style. Keep your communication simple, clear and direct. Your client will appreciate you can get to the point.
10. Learn What Works with Experience
As you work together you will better understand how to communicate with your client. Think about ways you can improve your communication to grow your relationship.
Communication will help you get the most out of your client relationship. You will be aligned and connected. You will hear each other’s needs and know where you stand. Communication will help you do better business together.
And finally, make sure you don’t “Ramble On.”
