Communication is key in any relationship, and your relationships with clients, customers, and anyone you interact with professionally are no different.

Ideally, you’ll have an ongoing dialogue with your clients where you talk about your projects, products, or services, but also in a larger sense, where you talk about how things are going and the direction your professional relationship is headed.

By keeping up this dialogue over time, you not only know where you stand, but you improve the likelihood of the client wanting to continue to work with you.

That said, these questions and phrases don’t just apply to clients and customers. The same 5 phrases are applicable to contractors or employees, colleagues you’re collaborating with, or just about anyone you’re interacting with professionally.

1. “How are you?”

Genuinely take an interest in your client as a person. Ask questions, listen to their answers, and respond with positivity. Whether they answer by telling you about the problem that brought them to you or sharing a cute story about their dog, they are creating an opening for you to build rapport with them.

By developing a relationship, you are highlighting one of your unique selling positions – your warmth and integrity.

2. “What’s your goal?”

Regardless of your type of business, anyone coming to you as a client or potential client was motivated by something. Maybe it was to solve a problem, maybe it was a referral based on fantastic work you’ve done for other clients, or maybe it was a need or desire they are looking to fulfill. It’s essential you know their goal so you can help them attain it and sell your products or services to meet their expectations.

Many sales professionals and entrepreneurs assume they know their clients’ goals because they’ve “seen it all before.” While you probably won’t be surprised to hear a client’s goal, different clients come with different motivating factors.

Let me be clear, this is not a “one and done” question. Client’s goals might change over time, so come back to this question periodically to ensure you’re still meeting their needs.

3. “How can I/we improve?”

Another question to ask from time to time, looking for ways to improve is a signal to your client that you value excellence and you won’t settle for less than a great experience for them.

This might feel awkward the first few times you ask it. But by simply and clearly stating a question like this in a positive light, your clients will likely be happy to provide you with positive feedback and constructive criticism if they have any.

Be open to their feedback and make changes where you can. Improving your service with one client will undoubtedly raise the bar with all of them and make you more attractive to potential clients in the future.

4. “No…”

Of course, if you have a toxic client, saying no is a must. But there are times when it’s necessary to say no to even your best client. No one likes saying no, but if you approach it wisely, your client will respect you for it.

Sometimes, no comes from an inability to do the work or sell the product in the way the client wants, such as an unrealistic timeline or budget. In those cases, you’re doing your client a favor by being honest and forthright about their expectations and your reality. They will appreciate your truthfulness in the long run even if they don’t like hearing no in the short run.

In other cases, you need to tell a client no because their approach is different than the one you know to be best. Remember, your client hired you because you’re an expert in your given area, and they value that expertise. Tell them no with kindness and explain your position. Most likely, you’ll be able to convince them of a better approach.

5. “Thank you!”

Gratitude is an integral part of each and every interaction you have with each and every client. Take a moment to thank them for their business. After all, you do appreciate them, and you want them to feel valued as a customer and as a person.

“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.”  –Paul J. Meyer

At Celeste Giordano Coaching, I support my clients in growing their businesses with the values of integrity, honesty, and gratitude. If you’ve ever felt like it’s tough to take the high road and grow your business at the same time, I’m proof you CAN do both and I’ll show you how.

Do you want to grow with respect for yourself and your clients? Contact me today.

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Blueprint Magazine – Volume 4

“Celebrating Generations”

In this latest issue of The Blueprint, several articles focus on what to do as spring draws to a close and summer begins so that you can smartly meet your professional and personal goals. Articles are written by authors spanning all generations, filled with knowledge to inspire and motivate you.

Here is a sampling of what you will discover in this edition…

• The Best Gift Of All by Pauline Duncan-Thrasher
• Are We There Yet? by Joan Williams
• The Women of Global Change Youth Initiative by Cheyenne Hunt
• The Rise Of The New Economy by Cynthia Mabry
• In Life and In Work, Be Anything But Common by Celeste Giordano
• The Importance Of Reviewing Quarterly by Brigitta Hoeferle
• The Technology Buying Cycle: How Often Should Your Business Update Its Technology? by Jason Rush
• When It’s A Mistake To Hire A Writer & When It’s The Right Move by Katherine Copeland
• Ultimate Mission Impact: There Is Only One Solution by Sheree Allison
• and much more!

My hope is that The Blueprint inspires you in all aspects of your life – to grow your business, to prosper in your personal life and to serve the community and world around you.

Click here to subscribe for your free copy.

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Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus^TM” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.

To learn more about Celeste, click here.

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