The online world has transformed the way we date people. The same is true for its revolutionary matchmaking effects on how we make and sustain client relationships. Basic dating insights can help you better foster a personal connection with clients – and here’s how.
Wooing Clients
You may not be bringing them chocolate or flowers, but you’ll still need to “woo” a client to win their short-term interest before you can count on their long-term loyalty. Try to connect with one or more of their personal interests. Before your first meeting, prepare and try to find a specific point or two to impress them. Bonus points if you can predict and relate to or resolve one of their key concerns or talking points in your first meeting.
Give and Take
A good online discussion is a matter of give and take. No one wants to be the one doing all the talking only to be met with one “Okay” after another, and no one wants to listen to someone blabber about themselves.
The same is true in business. To win over a client, you need to truly listen to them and get a feel for who they are as an individual, as well as what their short and long-term goals are. They’ll feel more comfortable sharing that and be able to better determine if you can help them if you likewise open up. Remember, while some people are natural conversationalists and others more reserved listeners, on average, your business dialogue should be as close to 50/50 as possible.
Patience Is Key
One of the worst mistakes you can make in dating is rush things early in a relationship. It’s best to get to know the person first, right? It works the same way in business. Take the time to get to know who you’re working with first and then go from there.
Be patient with your developing relationships with clients. Show true interest in their business, understand who they are as a person, where they are in their career, and where they’d like to go from here, and allow things to grow organically.
These factors can help you win clients’ short-term business and long-term loyalty.