1.) Ask all of the questions that you need to ask to ensure that you truly understand your client’s needs. Don’t assume that you know what your client wants or that all clients have the same issues and/or concerns. Ask. This way, you’ll be sure.
2.) Give your clients exactly what they ask for. “Sort of” doesn’t count. Deliver quality and service each and every time. In addition, don’t oversell. Persuading a client to buy more than they actually need will quickly make you a one-time resource.
3.) Be absolutely certain that your offering will solve your client’s problems or help them in the way they need to be helped. If your offering is not truly a solution, tell the truth. Selling a product or service that does not solve the problem it was purchased to solve may put money in your pocket in the short term but in the long term, it will guarantee that you lose the client.
4.) Do everything that you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. Nothing builds trust and credibility like doing what you say you’re going to do. And tell the truth no matter what. While sometimes being truthful might cost you a sale, in the long run the trust that you build will more than make up for any lost revenue.
5.) Keep your client informed every step of the way. If something changes, if there is a delay, a pricing issue, a mistake or any potential problem, let your client know about it as soon as you know. Do not wait. They will find out eventually and not telling them personally and/or allowing them to discover it on their own will lose you business.
6.) Become a valued team member and go above and beyond your client’s expectations. Show your client that you are interested in their business. Invest time thinking about their needs and how you can help.
7.) Show appreciation for your client’s business by saying, “Thank you.”