Video conferencing is a convenient and cost-effective way to communicate with your clients, especially in the current situation. However, it can also pose some challenges for building trust and rapport, which are essential for successful client relations. How can you create trust with clients using video conferencing? Here are some tips to help you.
Before you start a video call with your client, make sure that your equipment is working properly and that you have a stable internet connection. Test your camera, microphone, and speakers, and adjust the lighting and background to create a professional and comfortable setting. You don't want to waste your client's time with technical issues or distractions that could affect your credibility and confidence.
Based on my experience, I highly recommend building trust with clients through video conferencing as it is crucial for establishing strong and long-lasting relationships.
Just because you are not meeting your client in person, it doesn't mean that you can ignore the basic rules of etiquette and professionalism. Dress as you would for a face-to-face meeting, and avoid wearing anything too casual, flashy, or distracting. Also, pay attention to your body language and facial expressions, and avoid multitasking, checking your phone, or looking away from the screen. Show your client that you are focused, engaged, and respectful, and that you value their time and attention.
Absolutely! Dressing and acting appropriately is fundamental when engaging in any professional setting, including video conferencing with clients. Maintaining professionalism and etiquette during video conferencing is essential for creating a positive impression and building trust with clients.
One of the main challenges of video conferencing is that it can reduce the sense of connection and intimacy that you can achieve in a face-to-face meeting. To overcome this, you need to establish rapport and empathy with your client, and show them that you understand their needs, goals, and challenges. You can do this by using their name, asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and providing feedback. You can also use humor, stories, and compliments, as long as they are relevant and appropriate. Don't be afraid to show some personality and emotion, but avoid being too informal or personal.
Another way to create trust with clients using video conferencing is to share your screen and visuals with them. This can help you explain your ideas, solutions, or results more clearly and effectively, and also demonstrate your expertise and competence. You can use slides, graphs, charts, or other visual aids to support your points, but make sure that they are simple, relevant, and easy to read. You can also use annotations, pointers, or highlights to draw your client's attention to the key information or data.
Finally, after you finish your video call with your client, don't forget to follow up and follow through. Send them a summary of the main points, action items, and next steps that you discussed, and thank them for their time and feedback. Also, make sure that you deliver on your promises and commitments, and that you keep them updated on the progress and status of your project or task. This will show your client that you are reliable, professional, and trustworthy, and that you value their satisfaction and success.