10 Handy Techniques To Improve Client Communication

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

Communication’s a vast subject. Some people are better at it then others. But there’s always time to improve and adjust your style. It makes us who we are as a person and has an impact on the way we interact with every single individual who enters our life.

Business relationships depend on good communication; helping to build and maintain trust when working together. Making this a priority for your network will help your client retention rate to improve, thus growing your reputation and your company in the process.

Communication skills are essential to allow others and yourself to understand information more accurately and quickly. The below top ten techniques have been proven to enhance daily client communication.

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1. Know your product or service inside and out

Be prepared to answer questions from clients about your product/service. This knowledge will build enthusiasm and courage from others to invest in whatever it is you’re selling. It also contributes to an employee’s understanding of the market and of your competition – knowing your product/service’s important features means employees can better explain how it differs to competitors.

2. Be consistent

Consistency’s important when you’re messaging or speaking to your client. Your first interaction sets the tone for their expectations and it’s good to have a predictable workflow that’s consistent throughout your business. Keep your branding in mind when you communicate with clients. Your image and values should be reflected in your client interactions.

3. Make things easy for them

Make sure you optimise your client’s time by making things as easy for them as possible. Have a business card handy if you’re in a face-to-face meeting. Include links within your email exchanges and newsletters for them to navigate to what you’re discussing with them. And, direct them to your business/personal websites and social media pages for supporting information.

4. Be a good listener; Listen to their needs and expectations

Take the time to listen to what your client needs are and respond accordingly. Ask open questions about what they are looking for and how you can support their business requirements. Summarising their points will help you understand their desires and tailor your services to match.

5. Be clear

Sharing information clearly is one of the most important communication techniques in the workplace. It’s an essential framework to prevent miscommunication. Keep your words concise and topic-lead. Clarity’s key.

6. Add a personal touch

Customise your communication with a client. There’s nothing worse than receiving blanket templates with little personality. Reference previous conversations, ask questions and be one step ahead of the customer by always knowing what the next best action is for them to get the most out of your product or service.

7. Use the right channels

Technology’s opened up new ways of communicating. And, there’s plenty of options available; In-person meetings, voice and video calls, direct/mass emails, text/instant messaging, Social Media. Pick a delivery method best-suited to your audience.

8. Ask questions and show genuine interest

Asking questions conveys genuine interest. It shows you care about your client and what they think. Use your questions to learn, build the relationship, avoid misunderstandings and up-sell. Good listening skills compliment asking the right questions.

9. Be open minded

Other people’s views might be different to your own. You should always give people the chance to convince you of their ideas or points of view. Having an open mind will allow you to have strong dialogue with others that leads to working together to solve problems.

10. Prompt follow-ups

Give your clients time to respond if they’re interested. Don’t pressure them with constant follow-ups, but a steady stream of relatable information based on your last interaction. Let your client know you listened to them. It helps set clear expectations about any decisions that were made during your conversation.

And throughout, remember to stay patient and remain polite and friendly at all times.

What’s your view on client communication and how important it is?