Seducing Your Clients With Effective Communication
Professional writing is a romantic affair between you and your client. You have to be able to answer why a client will stick with you through thick and thin. You have to answer why your readers are always returning to your blogs and sending you bulk loads of messages. Valentine is fast approaching; it is the season many ladies will ask their boyfriends ‘why did you choose me’, ‘why do you think I am the one for you.’ In the same vein, one of the first questions your clients will ask you as a writer is ‘why do you think I should hire you?’. This question though simple, determines a lot. It is a tricky yet simple question; ensure that you are not quick to give the usual answer ‘because I am a writer.’
Writing is a cool skill; if you are passionate about writing, you can master the art of writing to enjoy what you love doing and make a high income from it. But, before the pay cheques, you need to seduce your clients with your communication skills. Communication is a priority in all forms of relationship, many marriages, and romantic relationships have hit the ice berg because both parties lacked communication skills.
Communicating with your clients’ matters a lot. Whether it is a physical client, a client from social media, or freelancing sites, your communication skill can make them swear allegiance to you. Customers’ relationship is essential; I still wonder why many people say content is king. How does one become a king when there are no elements or law? Your client is the lawmaker; they decide what element stays or leaves in your writing. A lot of freelancers fail at communicating with their clients. You need to woo your clients with all that you have, which is why you need to have an irresistible portfolio, and a reputable brand. The prosperity of your business relies on the number of returning clients you have. So, never take communication for granted.
Recently, I got a client in the United States on Fiverr; after two successful delivery, we exchanged our WhatsApp contact, and started communicating off Fiverr. Yesterday, we talked about both countries’ economies — Nigeria and the United States and their effect on real estate. At first, she was a client; she is still a client, but our relationship has evolved, she trusts me more with her story, family, and needs. That is the result of effective communication. Remember that your work is beyond just writing; you need to ask the right questions to get the correct information. Here is a guide to help you communicate effectively:
1. Ask the right questions: I believe everyone can write, but not everyone can write compelling content. Many people come to me with nothing other than a book theme and sometimes a title. Your duty is to ask the clients the right kind of questions. Keep the conversation short and simple but detailed enough to get your client to answer your question.
2. Understand your client’s language: Language is a critical factor in communication. Understand the kind of language, style, and tone your client speaks. Are they comfortable using a conversational tone, with slang, or formal? All of these can be easily detected from the client’s first message and brief.
3. Practice active listening: Some freelancer sites like Upwork allows Video call with clients, and one of the ways not to overwhelm your client with your expertise and ideas is to practice active listening. Remember, it’s their brand, story, product, and service; your work is to help them achieve their goal. Allow them to express themselves. Whenever you disagree with their suggestions, state your opinion with simplicity and respect.
Over the past year, I have learned to master the art of communicating with my clients, and trust me, nothing else makes your client give an extra tip than when you overdeliver. Overdelivery only happens when you understand your client’s brief correctly, and it all boils down to communication. If you like me to help you on your freelancing journey, send me an email, adeolalm@gmail.com. I will be glad to work with you.
