Rupak Bid’s Post

Today's ponderings... Setting boundaries, journaling your progress and playing to your strengths. These life hacks transfer to your business relationships as well. Question for you: What practices help you maintain healthy and happy client relationships? #BusinessLeadership #ClientManagement https://bit.ly/4a9mB4s

Landing a new client is thrilling, but excitement can quickly turn into frustration.... 💔 if you don’t check for these beforehand. ◾ 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: If a client can't articulate their goals or desired outcomes, proceed with caution. Unrealistic or vague expectations often lead to dissatisfaction with the final product. ◾ 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐩: While test projects seem reasonable, be wary of clients who rely heavily on them. Your portfolio and experience should demonstrate your capabilities. Don't undervalue your time on lengthy, unpaid trials. ◾ 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲: Clients hesitant about upfront payments might signal financial instability or a lack of commitment. Late or withheld payments can disrupt your workflow and cash flow. ◾ 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡: Be mindful of projects that fall outside your comfort zone. Clients with wildly different stylistic preferences can lead to creative roadblocks and frustration on both ends. ◾ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝: Clients demanding breakneck turnaround times can create a stressful, unproductive environment. Ensure the project timeline aligns with your realistic workflow and capacity. ◾ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐈𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭: Clients with slow communication can derail the entire project. Delayed responses to briefs and inquiries translate to delays in approvals, payments, and project completion. It is better to check these with your potential client to avoid a bitter after taste. I am sure none of us want that! #clientexperience #LinkedIngrowth #B2BBusiness #progress

As a service-based professional, I know firsthand the true cost of taking on the wrong clients. It's not just about the monetary investment, it's the time, energy, and emotional labor that we pour into our work that makes it all the more draining. We've all been there before, haven't we?  It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of growing our business and expanding our reach, but we can't forget the importance of surrounding ourselves with clients who align with our values and work style. When I'm meeting with a potential client, I'm always on the lookout for signs that tell me if we'd be a good match. Here are some key areas that I take into consideration: Communication: Make sure the potential client is responsive and communicates clearly. If they're not responsive or don't provide clear instructions, it can lead to frustration and wasted time. Budget: Make sure the client's budget aligns with your rates and expectations. Taking on a client who can't pay for your services will lead to resentment and an unproductive working relationship. Project scope: Ensure that the client's situation aligns with your expertise and experience. Don't take on solving a problem that's beyond your capabilities or not in your niche. Timeline: Make sure the client's timeline aligns with your availability. Don't agree to an unrealistic deadline that  you know you can’t deliver. Now, we've definitely taken on clients in the past who didn't quite fit the bill, but those experiences have given us invaluable clarity on who we work best with and who we don't. That's why I stress the importance of having a well-defined client avatar that you and your team are all aligned on. It saves so much time and money in the long run. I'm curious, what's your experience been like taking on the wrong clients?  . . . . . #mediator #financialadvisors #adr _________________________________________________________ Want to see more tips and tricks?  🔔 Ring the bell on my profile ✅ Connect with me and reach out by DM

DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONALLY: Being ghosted by clients can be frustrating. Here are some top tips! Reasons Clients Ghost: 1.Change of Priorities: Their needs might have shifted. 2.Dissatisfaction: They might avoid confrontation. 3.Internal Issues: Budget cuts, reorganization. 4.Competition: They chose a competitor. 5.Overwhelm: Overloaded with work. Strategies to Address Client Ghosting: 1. Follow-Up Tactfully: Send polite follow-up messages. Example: "Hi [Client], following up on [topic]. Could we discuss this week?" 2. Provide Value: Offer insights or resources. Example: "Attached is a relevant case study." 3. Diversify Contact Methods: Try calls or LinkedIn. 4. Express Understanding: Acknowledge their busy schedule. Example: "I understand you're busy. Let's find a time." 5. Set Clear Next Steps: Propose a call or deadline. Example: "Could we schedule a call next Tuesday?" Check for Changes: Inquire about project updates. 6. Example: "Any changes in your priorities?" 7. Offer an Easy Out: Respectfully offer options. Example: "If priorities changed, please let me know." Preventive Measures: 1. Set Expectations Early: Clarify communication expectations. 2. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule updates. 3. Build Strong Relationships: Invest in personal connections. 4. Monitor Satisfaction: Gauge client satisfaction. Approach client ghosting with empathy and persistence to maintain positive relationships. And DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONALLY #ClientRelations #BusinessCommunication

𝟑 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 One-time projects are great, but lasting client relationships? That’s where real growth happens. I have projects going on 3 years today, making me thousands of dollars every year. Here are my top tips for turning first-time clients into loyal partners: 🎯 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏 From deadlines to communication style, I make sure everything is on the table right at the start. When clients know exactly what to expect, it builds trust and prevents misunderstandings. 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Draft a quick “Project Welcome Guide” outlining your workflow, deadlines, and communication preferences—it’ll set a professional tone and put clients at ease. 🎯 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 I keep clients updated throughout the project with brief, regular check-ins. If there’s an unexpected delay or change, I make sure they know ASAP. This shows clients that their projects are a priority and that I’m on top of things. 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩:Send weekly or bi-weekly progress emails to keep them in the loop. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few sentences on what’s done and what’s coming next. 🎯 𝐆𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞 (𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭) I look for small, value-added ways to support clients, like suggesting improvements or offering a quick, relevant tip. These little extras make clients feel valued and can often lead to more work or referrals. 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩: After completing a project, send a short “extra” like an additional tip or a quick outline of suggested next steps. This keeps you top-of-mind and shows you’re invested in their success. Building long-term relationships isn’t just about doing good work—it’s about being a dependable, proactive, and value-driven partner. What's your longest-running project? share in the comments!

I hear it from potential clients. I’ve heard it from past clients. I hear it in my own head. “Stop talking about the problem. Do something about it!” The first thing I do with clients is an assessment. It’s a simple tool I use to quickly get to the heart of what’s happening with their team and tech. When I require clients to start with an assessment they sometimes push back - “We don’t want to just talk about the problem. Let’s do something about it”. “Bias toward action” and all that, right? The caricature consultants get a bad rap for charging 5, 6, or 7 figures to deliver a PowerPoint deck at the end. That’s not a problem with assessments. That’s a problem with the consultant and the expectations of everyone at the beginning. Here’s why I often start the assessment (and roadmap) first. Guessing at the problem and just getting to work is far more expensive than talking about the problem upfront (You know what they say about assumptions). It’s way less risky to start small. Before signing big contracts, see what the experience, relationship, and results are like during a small assessment. But here’s the main reason: - You can’t fix what you don’t understand. - You can’t understand what you haven’t defined. - You can’t define something you didn’t know existed. Talking about the problem might be exactly what you need. Only then will you be ready to take precise and strategic action.

Are you dealing with difficult clients? We've all been there. The good news is that you can turn challenges into successes. Here are some tips to turn tough situations into opportunities for growth: #TakePrideDaily #ClientManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessTips #MondayMotivation https://lnkd.in/dqEtp4u4

repost, if relateable 🤭 We've all been there – deadlines looming, tasks piling up, and yet somehow, we find ourselves binge-watching cat videos instead of tackling our own projects. But when it comes to client work, suddenly we're laser-focused, burning the midnight oil. Why does this paradox exist? Let's explore a few reasons: 1. External Accountability When we work for clients, there's an external force holding us accountable – the client themselves. We don't want to disappoint them or damage our professional reputation. In contrast, our personal projects lack this external pressure, making it easier to procrastinate. 2. Fear of Judgment Our inner critic can be harsher when it comes to our own work. We worry about what others will think, whether it's our peers, friends, or even our future selves. With client work, we're shielded by the professional context, allowing us to focus on the task at hand. 3. Clear Expectations Clients provide clear briefs and expectations. We know exactly what needs to be done, reducing decision fatigue. Our personal projects, on the other hand, often lack this clarity, leading to indecision and procrastination. 4. Monetary Incentive Let's face it – money talks. When we're getting paid for our efforts, we're more likely to prioritize client work. Our personal projects, unfortunately, don't come with a direct paycheck, making them easier to postpone. 5. Novelty and Challenge Client work often involves novel challenges – new industries, unique problems, and exciting opportunities. Our personal projects, while important, may lack that same spark. We're drawn to the thrill of the unknown. what are your thoughts?

Are you dealing with difficult clients? We've all been there. The good news is that you can turn challenges into successes. Here are some tips to turn tough situations into opportunities for growth: #TakePrideDaily #ClientManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessTips #MondayMotivation https://lnkd.in/d_eZbQka

This is just a friendly reminder that if you’re still working with one of your very first clients, you can still charge them your current rates and hold them to the same boundaries as your other clients. I’ve worked with dozens of business owners who want to streamline, re-structure, and scale but are very resistant to making changes that require them to have difficult conversations with their OG clients. And listen, I get it. ❤️ You have a relationship with them. ❤️ You’re grateful they trusted you at the beginning of your journey. ❤️ They’ve referred clients to you. You feel like in some way, you owe them. But, you don’t. Your gratitude, yes. But, you don’t owe them so much that your business stays stuck as a result. You’re allowed to: 👉 Raise your rates 👉 Restructure their package 👉Adjust deliverables (that you probably don’t even want to offer anymore) 👉 Enforce new policies and procedures 👉And rein in the communication (they don’t need to text you anymore) You can do all of the above in a way that doesn’t make them feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them. In fact, most of my clients who make changes with their OG clients are not met with anger at all, they’re met with understanding and usually continue on with a newfound respect. I help a client with this at least once or twice a month, so trust me on this one. And hey, if you are in a season of streamlining and scaling and you need some support in these delicate areas, I can help! Reach out! #ClientManagement #BusinessGrowth #ScalingUp #BusinessStrategy