Running a business, especially on our own, can come with mixed feelings about what to do, when, and how, creating a sense of overwhelm. We often compare ourselves to others and second-guess our strategies.
Whether you’re nodding along or saying, ‘never me’, the truth is, we all do it. Social media, podcasts, and articles showcase thriving businesses, leaving us questioning how to achieve the same. You’re not alone; we all experience this doubt.
Strong relationships with your clients must be the #1 rule in business for steady growth. Even successful businesses can reach a point where they need to revisit their strategies and strengthen their weak points. Here are some practical tips for improving client relationships using the “Know, Like, and Trust” principle.
Take some time to reflect and journal. List all the businesses you use. Identify why you know, like, and trust them. Look for patterns and similarities and consider how to implement these elements into your client relationship strategies.
Beyond Social Media and Networking
> Know: Increase Presence in Your Community <
• Join Local Community Events: Attend and participate in local community events. This visibility helps potential clients get to know you and your business in a more personal setting.
• Volunteer with Nonprofits: Volunteer with local ministries or nonprofits. This demonstrates your commitment to the community and allows people to see your values in action.
• Create a Professional Website: Ensure your website is user-friendly and informative. Include an “About Us” page with your story and mission. This does not have to be complicated. You can create a one-page site or landing page with all the details. Simplicity is always best.
• Start a Blog: Write regular blog posts addressing common questions or challenges in your industry. Share tips and insights to establish your expertise. These also make perfect workshops, masterclasses, or just 1:1 training.
> Like: Build Rapport Through Diverse Channels <
• Start a Podcast: Share your expertise through a podcast. Discuss topics relevant to your industry, interview experts, and provide valuable insights. This helps potential clients like you for your knowledge and personality.
• Be on a Podcast: Write down some topics you love and feel comfortable discussing. Then, start looking at podcast hosts’ sites to see if you may be a good fit, and reach out.
• Offer Workshops and Seminars: Host workshops, seminars, or masterclasses on topics related to your business. Provide practical, actionable advice and engage directly with attendees. Do you have a local business that complements yours? Team up. You’re taking off some pressure of doing this solo. Plus, you encourage each other!
• Email Newsletters: Collect email addresses through your website, social media, landing pages, or even in-person gatherings or events and send out regular newsletters with updates, tips, and exclusive offers. Ensure you don’t overstayyour welcome by sending emails every day. Commit to a consistent schedule and stick to it. Demonstrating your reliability and consistency to your clients and email audience, building trust over time.
> Trust: Establish and Reinforce Credibility <
• Share Success Stories: Collect and share testimonials and case studies from satisfied clients or people you helped. Highlight the problems you solved and the value you provided.
• Create a Referral Program: Encourage your existing clients to refer new clients. Offer incentives for referrals to build trust through word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Professional Certifications and Awards: Display any relevant professional certifications, awards, or recognitions prominently on your website and marketing materials. These external validations of your skills and accomplishments serve as powerful social proof, reinforcing your credibility and expertise in your industry.
• Collaborate:Reach out to other businesses that complement yours and align with your business values and target audience. Ask them to review your products/services, share their experiences on social media, or collaborate on content creation (e.g., guest blog posts, joint training, webinars). Their endorsement and positive feedback can significantly boost your credibility and trustworthiness among potential clients.
> Practical Steps to Implement Today <
Immediate Actions:
• Local Engagement: Look up upcoming community events and plan to attend or participate.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Contact local nonprofits or ministries and offer your time and skills.
• Podcast Planning: Outline potential podcast topics, contact the Podcast host, or consider starting your own.
• Workshop Scheduling: Plan and advertise a workshop, masterclass, or seminar for the next month.
• Testimonial Collection: Contact satisfied clients or friends that you have helped in the past to request testimonials.
Building strong client relationships takes consistent effort. By implementing these KLT strategies, you can overcome challenges and strengthen your client connections. To help you get started, I’m offering a complimentary 30-minute ‘Efficiency Audit’. We go through my process of Simplify, Strengthen, and Scale your operations, providing personalized insight to streamline your operations and enhance client relationships. Schedule Now
Coming Soon Image>>> Save space for my annual Creating your 2025 SnapShot. This will be a first come first signup group up to 10. Attendees will leave with a strategic plan and actionable steps to achieve their business goals for 2025; gain practical tools ensuring they stay focused and on track for success with bonuses and accountability. Signup starts at the end of July. More details to come…!