Here's how you can foster and sustain robust connections with clients and stakeholders.

Listen with empathy and listen to better understand – that's the key to building and maintaining client relationships and stakeholder management. Ensure you ask the right questions – what, how, when, where, how much – to get a better sense of the product or service to be marketed. Build trust and respect with your key stakeholders, and give them your valuable time and undivided attention.

Give your full attention: Eliminate distractions and focus solely on the speaker. Put away your phone, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and make eye contact if you're in person.

Furthermore, active listening can lead to uncovering new opportunities and innovative solutions that might not surface otherwise. By truly understanding clients’ needs and pain points, you can tailor your offerings more precisely and provide exceptional value. This proactive approach not only strengthens trust but also positions you as a partner invested in their success, paving the way for mutual growth and long-term collaboration.

Practice gratitude: Appreciate the blessings in your life, big and small. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can bring joy and perspective.

Additionally, going the extra mile to understand their business objectives and aligning your services to support their goals can differentiate you from the competition. Personalized attention and proactive communication demonstrate your commitment to their success, fostering loyalty and advocacy. In a competitive market, it’s these thoughtful gestures and consistent delivery of value that set you apart and solidify enduring partnerships

Moreover, transparency fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. When clients and stakeholders see that you are open about challenges and actively seeking solutions, they are more likely to collaborate with you to overcome obstacles. This collaborative approach not only enhances problem-solving but also builds a foundation of mutual respect and shared success. By prioritizing transparency, you cultivate a resilient relationship that can withstand setbacks and thrive over the long term.

?Open Communication: Maintain a transparent dialogue with clients and stakeholders. Regularly update them on project progress, including potential challenges and successes. ?Honesty in Challenges: If mistakes arise, take immediate responsibility. Clearly outline a plan to address the situation, demonstrating your commitment to finding solutions. ?Long-Term Relationships: By prioritizing transparency and open communication, you build trust and foster stronger, more reliable connections with your clients and stakeholders.

?Regular Interaction: Schedule regular check-ins and updates with clients and stakeholders. Even casual conversations can maintain open communication. ?Finding the Balance: Be attentive and responsive, but avoid being overly intrusive. ?Commitment and Awareness: Consistent engagement demonstrates your dedication to the relationship and allows you to stay informed about any evolving needs they might have.

Communication is key, having over 13 years experience in account management in advertising services, I know this was what helped me build trust and deliver. The first thing I'd always tell new starters if a client emails, even if you don't know the answer, just reply and say all received, it will save you time in the long run. If something isn't clear, pick up the phone, assumptions are the mother of all mess ups! Remember clients/ stakeholders have their day jobs and often the project you are delivering is above and beyond their remit. Be mindful of this and where you can help out! Whether that's going to their offices to talk things through or filling in the gaps, the client will thank you for it when the project is delivered on time.