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7 tips on how to manage your clients the right way. Read full post - https://wp.me/p85skL-St

Here's something I've heard many freelancers, consultants, and agency owners say in some variation or another:

“This business would be a lot more fun if it weren't for our clients. I love everything about my business except for having to deal with customers.”

It's easy to blame your clients when things are not going well for you, or according to plan. The first person you're going to blame is your client, because it couldn't be your fault, right? It couldn't possibly be you that's to blame.

But that's not always the case. Most of the time, it's not the client's fault. It's the service provider's fault for not setting expectations or not meeting expectations.

This is probably going to sound controversial, and you're probably going to say, "Oh Jeff, you're an idiot." But it's true... most client problems are our own faults.

Don't worry, I have good news for you!

Over time, you're going to learn how to anticipate your client's needs and deliver the results that they're looking for. Things WILL get easier, and I want to help you get there as soon as possible.

Here's seven tips on how to manage your clients the right way.

1) Set expectations before doing any selling

Before you try to sell somebody on some big contract, set expectations with your prospective clients as to what results you think you can deliver. Make sure that those results are reasonable to deliver. 

2) Develop a new client onboarding process

Once the contract is signed, start talking to your client about what the expectations are for your project. Here are a few points to consider when onboarding a new client:

-Communicate to your client who they will be working with, and the key stakeholders for the project.
-Discuss the project timeline and dependencies.
-Request client materials needed to deliver the service.
-Clearly outline how delays in obtaining client materials will delay the delivery of the service.

3) Schedule a kick-off call with new customers

Talk about what the plans are, and the project timeline.

Make sure everyone is in agreement. That way you can proceed forward unencumbered and deliver the work. The goal is to discuss the project scope and agree on the timelines, and deliverables.

4) Establish points of contact and accountability

Determine who is doing what and when. It doesn't just have to be your team who has tasks assigned. Don't be afraid to assign tasks to clients, especially when it comes to internal communications with their company.

5) Define your communication strategy and frequency

Let your client know:

-Your communication plan and frequency.
-What information you need from your clients and how often.
-How often you need your clients to participate in the project.

6) Communicate clearly

This one should go without saying, but be very clear about what you're going to do and what the expectations are. The more clear you are upfront, the less chance you have of any kind of craziness happening down the line as things start to go as you begin to deliver on the project.

7) Remember that the only way you win is if they win

If your client wins, then you win. Create a win-win situation. Because if it's a win situation for you and not a win for them, then you're not going be winning very long.

One of three things will happen:

-You won't get paid for your services
-You won't have any chance of signing another contract in the future
-Your reputation might get dragged through the mud

Read full post - https://wp.me/p85skL-St