How To Manage Client Relationships Virtually

While working from a Co-Work office setup can offer flexibility and cost savings, it can also present unique challenges, particularly with managing your client relationships and scheduling virtual or in-person meetings effectively. 

How can you manage and improve your client relationships virtually?

1. Building Trust: Trust is the foundation of any client relationship, creating a relationship where clients feel confident in your skills, reliability, and intentions. Building trust means; 

• Being transparent
• Communication clearly
• Being Reliable and Available
• Delivering consistent and great service to your customers

2. Keep Communication Channels Open: You need to maintain open communication channels with your customers, this is essential for successful client management. Your clients know on the other hand that they can always reach you or any members of your Team, thus leaving them feeling confident about your commitment to their projects, business, and well-being accordingly. So, how can you keep your communication channel open with your clients and customers?

• Respond promptly and clearly to their needs
• Use multiple communication tools such as; Email, WhatsApp, Slack, and Video calls, Telegram, Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype. Choose one or two convenient channels for you and your customers, and stick with those.
• Give your customers regular updates and check-ins
• Encourage questions and feedback from your customers
• Document all your processes, record everything, better to have this than not!

3. Take advantage of Technology: Technology is the backbone of client relationship management today and while a physical check-in can also be valued where necessary, you should make good use of technology tools that can allow you to also deliver a seamless, professional experience that rivals in-person interaction to your customers. More ways to make use of technological tools can be to:

• Use Project management tools to keep track of tasks such as Asana, infinity, Teamwork, and Airtable.
• Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive can be used to share files.
• Use scheduling and CRM tools to automate tasks such as Calendy, Hubspot, and Zoho.

4. Handling Difficult Conversations and Resolving Issues: In a virtual setting, handling difficult conversations and resolving issues can be especially challenging. Misunderstandings can arise more easily without in-person cues, and addressing conflicts or sensitive topics may feel harder. You can manage this better by:

• Preparing for the conversation
• Follow up after the conversation to build trust and a connection with your clients
• Work with your customers to arrive at a solution that works for both of you
• Be a good listener
• Lead with Empathy and openness