Here's how you can foster strong client relationships while working remotely.

Mastering the Virtual Client Meeting Virtual meetings can be powerful! Here's my recipe for success: 1 Preparation is Key: Clear agenda ensures a focused & productive discussion. 2 See You There (Virtually): Leverage video conferencing to build rapport and gauge reactions. 3 Be Present & Personable: Show your clients they have your full attention, even from afar! By treating virtual meetings with the same respect as in-person ones, I build strong client relationships and deliver impressive results.

Virtual meetings tend to be seen as more impersonal. I tend to disagree. Perhaps because I come from a time when, "like the ancient Mayans", people spoke on the phone and the conversations were often highly emotional. The fact is that virtual encounters have to be more planned than phone calls used to be, and no one sees your unkempt hair or passes a cat on the screen. But even that, today, sometimes helps to break the distance. Basically, it's like starting the conversation by letting everyone know what's going to happen and how it's going to happen.

In the midst of the pandemic, we held some workshops on how to give presentations via video platforms, which were often followed on cell phones, on the move, in unfavorable environments. More than clear communication, the delivery had to be thought out: . to be seen on small screens - large, short texts, large images, visible graphics. . videos and spots - sound tested and re-tested, preferably from the computer that is playing the presentation to avoid crashing. . recurring invitations to validate and participate . timing that allows for conversation at the end.

Your clients are not just "accounts," they are people so treating them as such and personalizing all of your communications and outreach is essential. Strive to get to a level where they confide in you, become more partners than client and vendor, and pay attention to details they share with you about their life outside of work. Getting to know your clients on a personal level is not only important to your business relationship, but makes working together fun!

What builds a relationship between clients and service providers has to go beyond what is core to the relationship. That's my belief. The humanization of relationships, caring for people, their stories and possibilities must be present in teams and in business relationships. We are talking about the Brazilian universe, where there is always a prologue that softens the atmosphere. On a day-to-day basis, however, this care is consolidated, with recurring demonstrations that you are thinking about the customer and their business, such as articles, comments and information.

As Kellie mentioned above, your clients are not just "accounts" (well said)! You need to show that you truly care about their brand/company. Try to be accommodating to their needs, similar to how a restaurant would treat a customer with special dietary restrictions. This way, you demonstrate your commitment, and in return, they'll want to commit to you too.

There's one more great option to use. Handwritten notes and thoughtful gifts - are awesome to keep contact. These personal touches demonstrate genuine appreciation, fostering loyalty beyond regular business interactions. Identify key moments like project milestones or anniversaries. Choose gifts aligning with their interests or industry - a cool gadget for a tech startup or unique artwork for a creative business. Personalize each gesture. Time deliveries for maximum impact, ensuring professional execution.

Building trust with clients across the miles is all about adding a sprinkle of "human touch" to the digital world! For me, it's video calls with a smile, thank you messages, and even checking in to see how they are doing apart from work. These little things show you care, and that goes a long way!