On this Magic Monday, we’re thinking about our clients on Valentine’s Day. Check out why it’s important to show your clients some love!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner — love, respect and recognition are forefront sentiments in many minds. While traditionally this season is associated with a special focus on the love for a significant other, this is also a good time to reflect on and appreciate other important relationships in our lives as well.
This article takes Dr. Gary Chapman’s advice from his book “The 5 Love Languages” (five universal ways in which people show and interpret love) and casts it in a consultant-client relationship light, providing five easy ways to show clients you care this Valentine’s Day or really any day utilizing those five pillars.
The article is a great, short read and reflects Dr. Chapman’s material well. Be sure to check out the entire article!
Here are the key takeaways:
1. Words of Affirmation
Everyone loves to feel appreciated and hear they did something special. Is there a way to showcase your clients’ success via website content or social media platforms? Can you collaborate with them on a speaking engagement to share a recent project win for others to learn from?
At a more micro level, take some time to tell your clients or colleagues you appreciate them and acknowledge they are doing a good job. Our positive words can go a long way!
2. Quality Time
This can be as easy as picking up the phone and dialing one of your clients just to check-in and let them know things are going well or to ask how they’re doing. Take them out to lunch and make a rule not to talk about work. Opening up your time in this way can make an immediate impact.
3. Acts of Service
Our clients and colleagues deserve an unmatched experience. At Centric, our core purpose in all we do is to provide an unmatched experience like no other. Ponder ways you can do something extra for your clients that goes above and beyond their expectations.
It can be something simple like providing them with a deliverable early or something more unique and unexpected. Consider how you are not only creating but nurturing that partnership, that relationship, that friendship.
4. Gift Giving
Find out what your client likes best – even if it’s something small like their favorite color and use that knowledge to do something nice to show that you care. Little acts of kindness and caring go a long way in client satisfaction & appreciation.
5. Physical Touch
Allow me to explain before imaginations run too wild: think “touchpoints” here – never underestimate the powerful effect of a face-to-face meeting with a client or colleague. Get together in person as you are able and you will be amazed to discover how much more you can learn about someone by seeing their facial expressions and body language. Taking the time for a face to face meeting can really show someone you care and they are important to you.
Step into your clients’ and colleagues’ shoes this month and discover the way in which they most prefer to feel appreciated and do that. And don’t forget to show yourself some love this season, as well!