What do you do if your client relationships lack creativity?

A very important point - Refresh your strategies! I have realized after being in sales that how deep a connection can be formed with people in a short span of time if the goals are aligned from both parties. Recently took out some clients who are very passionate towards nature, cleanliness on a personal level for some ESG activity - cleaning streets and rivers. Such a fun thing to do while connecting in a more natural environment. Things like these can change the trajectory of your client relationships. As we know - People buy from people!! Relook at the strategies you use and be creative in your next move :)

Brainstorm with your team to generate out-of-the-box ideas that go beyond conventional approaches and offer unique value propositions. Tailor your recommendations to align with the client's goals, preferences, and industry trends, demonstrating your understanding of their business and industry landscape. Incorporate elements of creativity, such as storytelling, visual presentations, or interactive prototypes, to captivate the client's interest and imagination.

Evaluate your current strategy for client engagement and ideation sessions. Identify areas where the process may have become stale or routine. Consider introducing new techniques, such as design thinking workshops, brainstorming sessions, or collaborative ideation platforms, to shake up the existing approach.

Take the time to understand each client's unique needs, preferences, and organizational culture. Tailor your approach and communication style to resonate with their specific values and expectations. Personalized interactions can help build stronger connections and foster an environment where clients feel more comfortable sharing their creative ideas.

In order to bridge lackluster customer relationships, the key is personalization. Ittakes a little time, but understanding the unique needs and quirks of each customer. By doing so, you canbetter target your solutions and interactions to fit in with how a person really lives. When clients sense that you are truly interested in their success and not simply treating them as one more case file, then they are more likely to respond positively or be open-minded about bold, creative projects that can move your own business forward.

Encourage clients to be active participants in the creative process, rather than passive recipients. Organize collaborative workshops or ideation sessions where both teams can contribute their unique perspectives and expertise. Foster an environment of mutual learning and exploration, where new ideas can emerge through the fusion of different viewpoints.

Creativity often means co-creating with customers: when challenges appear, tackle them together and may manage to think up new ways that suit the situation. Clients are encouraged to voice their dilemmas and you sit down with them, together working out brainstorming-style different means to surmount such problems. This two-way process helps you build a closer affiliation with the other party. At the same time, it appends to your standing in the industry as a thought leader. When we are collaborating to innovate, our partnership is dynamic and ahead of the times. Then comes the possibility for clients to open doors to their own contacts if you show some originality; clients will also learn that you are as good as your word.

Provide clients with insights into the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to creativity and innovation. Share case studies or success stories that highlight the benefits of embracing creative approaches. Help clients understand the value of investing in creativity and how it can drive business growth and competitive advantage.

Actively seek feedback from clients on their experiences and perspectives regarding the creative process. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and tailor your approach accordingly. Demonstrate that you value their input and are committed to continuously enhancing the creative collaboration.

Recognize and celebrate creative achievements, both big and small, with your clients. Share success stories and highlight the positive impact of the creative solutions implemented. Celebrating successes can reinforce the value of creativity and encourage clients to continue embracing innovative approaches.

By celebrating these successes together you can enhance your client relationships with a creative spark. Emphasize the accomplishments that you have helped to bring about. Doing so doesn't merely foster reconnection and stronger bonds with clients-it also fosters a tradition of innovation and creativity. If you happen to be able to share in such celebrations then perhaps both parties might keep on probing frontiers and trying new things together.

In my experience so much of this comes back to the leader allowing creativity! Make sure there is room for your team to pitch and share new ideas. Make sure to not shoot people down for something outside the box. As long as it is within guidelines and fits the brand, encourage testing new ideas and experiments with approval! It can be fun to create teams and encourage group creativity as well. Especially if your team is remote - it allows for new interpersonal connection.

Lead by example and foster a culture of creativity within your own team or organization. Explore collaborative tools and platforms that facilitate remote ideation and creative exchanges with clients. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and diverse perspectives, as creativity often thrives at the intersection of different disciplines and backgrounds. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in fostering creativity and innovation in client relationships. Be patient and persistent, as cultivating a creative mindset and fostering trust may take time and consistent effort.

Do the unexpected. - During the customer's buying cycle find newsworthy items that you can send them. - If they're having a meeting about your product, send over a few pizza's without telling them. - Create a customized novelty item. One time we have a kaleidoscope created with images from the their annual report and website. it's all about separating yourself from the competition.