After reading several comments on the new Flying Solo forum and Ingrid Cliff’s blog on getting personal this Christmas, I started thinking about how much difference actually meeting a person makes.
Sure in this cyber-enabled world we work in, it is easy to keep in contact with clients from around the corner, as well as around the world, but have you ever thought of the effect a personal meeting has on your relationship over the odd email and, maybe, phone call?
I have, and I know if I meet clients in person, even if it’s only once, I feel I know them better, form a stronger relationship with them and, therefore, can create a better product for them because I have more information and can gauge their needs better.
Nothing can replace meeting a client, watching their body language and seeing how they respond to events when you are building a relationship with them. You are more likely to know how they will react to suggestions, whether you can work effectively with them and maybe even what they like to eat or drink after a meeting.
You are definitely likely to remember more about them and their needs.I have a mixture of clients whom I have met personally and others I have just dealt with on the phone or by email. I find I know what those whom I have met want and need much easier than those who re still faceless to me.
So next time you have the option of talking over the phone, Skype or email or meeting a client, take the latter option and see whether it makes a difference to the relationship. After all, being successful in business is all about building lasting relationships, isn’t it?