How can you maintain client relationships after a project is complete?

In my experience, client relationships in the realm of business transformation are nurtured by recognizing that transformations are ongoing journeys, not finite projects. Even after a specific engagement, the journey to adapt and evolve continues. For instance, post-project, I maintain a connection with the client by acknowledging that their transformation journey is still in progress. This continuous support and engagement underscore that while the formal project may have ended, our collaborative journey towards achieving long-term transformational goals endures. By adopting this perspective, the relationship naturally transitions into a lasting partnership that extends beyond the confines of the initial engagement.

Maintaining client relationships after a project is complete is crucial for fostering long-term business partnerships. Here are some key strategies to consider: 1. Stay in touch: 2. Provide ongoing support: 3. Seek feedback: 4. Offer additional resources: 5. Personalize your interactions: 6. Celebrate milestones: 7. Stay updated on their business: Remember, maintaining client relationships is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and dedication. By demonstrating your commitment to their success, providing ongoing support, and staying in touch, you can cultivate strong, long-lasting partnerships.

Creating a sustainable relationship with your client at the end of a project is essential... especially on large and complex projects. To achieve this, I tend to follow 3 key steps: 1. Stay in regular communication, provide updates on relevant industry trends 2. Find out from the client, next steps and activities required post project and offer support for any issues that may arise. 3.Express gratitude for their partnership, review comments and feedbacks and work closely with their internal project team on future plans and projects

Completely agree. Very well said. The follow-up can be both personal and professional. Relationships are about people. Maintain the professional and the appropriate personal relationship over time.

In my experience, regular and personal follow-ups are crucial for maintaining strong connections. It's not just about business; it's about showing genuine interest. For instance, remembering important dates like birthdays or milestones adds a personal touch. This practice deepens relationships and demonstrates commitment. Recently, I strengthened a professional tie by remembering a client's work anniversary, showcasing the value of personalizing follow-ups for lasting connections.

When you come across articles or blogs that you know would be of interest, send it to them. If you have a perspective, ask them if they have time to catch up and discuss. I love being able to share ideas and hear back how things are going.

You should aim both to be, and to be perceived as, a partner rather than a service provider. That means first a human relationship and then a business one, and human relationships take time to build and mature. Add value where you see a need and not just when contracted to do so. Don't consider every interaction an "engagement" or "opportunity" (and for heaven's sake don't "keep score"). If you are seen as a partner, then calling on you will become second nature, and compensating you will become almost an afterthought. "The best source of new business is old business."

The role of an advisor differs from relationship to relationship - so it's hard to distill actionable specific directions on what it means to add value. To add value, one must truly understand what the client perceives to be valuable. Most of the time, people want to be heard, seen, and respected. Doing that is more than enough.

In my opinion a completed project should be considered the start of a relationship . Like any relationship and for any relationship to work there needs to be understanding empathy and most importantly mutual respect. Demonstrate a real interest in the outcomes of the project and the benefits itr has delivered to the business. A user case on the success and the positive impact on the clients business if managed correctly can be of value to supplier and client. Key advice - be genuine in your interest and not simply looking for the next project although your eyes need to be open to that opportunity

In order to have a strong client relationship it is imperative that the client believes that you are his well wisher & you are concerned about his issues related to the service you have provided & would be willing to support him in his growth. For this trust to achieve , the relationship has to be nurtured over a period of time irrespective of the fact that whether as a response from the client ,you are getting any business from your client on an immediate basis. As long as the client acknowledges your outreach it will eventually improve your client relationship & will benefit you professionally

Don't be embarrassed to ask for referrals! It could be as simple as an "if you know someone in your network who might be interested...." note. Also, don't be crestfallen if you don't hear back on that request. There could be several reasons clients cannot endorse referral requests, some compliance-related. Having said that, if you continue to add value to your clients, they will remember you and will refer you within their direct, if not broader professional network.

Quando fa?o palestras e workshops, pe?o para receber as avalia??es do público e, sempre que possível, solicito fazer ao final uma avalia??o rápida da experiência em uma palavra via Mentimeter. é sempre um ótimo term?metro de qu?o energizada a platéia está. Além disso, pe?o que o requisitante fa?a depois uma avalia??o pública em meu perfil LinkedIn. Isso é excelente para validar o meu trabalho frente à potenciais contratantes.

Social media platforms enable this but I would exercise caution when liking / supporting / celebrating posts by your clients, current or former. It helps to ensure the posts you like, comment on, or repost resonate with your personal and professional values or goals. Adding a note addressing the OP also goes a long way, and may even kickstart a renewed conversation with you and a client or prospect.

Sempre pergunto ao cliente se posso divulgar o evento em minhas redes sociais antes e depois. Aliás, se ele puder fazê-lo ( nas dele) considero ainda melhor, pois valida a experiência.

Trabalho com vários temas, mas em geral o cliente me contrata para falar especificamente de um, no qual sou mais reconhecida. Depois desta experiência inicial, costumo convidà-lo para algum evento no qual eu vá apresentar ou falar de outro assunto, para que ele perceba que tenho um leque maior de temas possíveis a abordar.

Adopting 'help first, sell second' mentality can be transformative. By genuinely focusing on assisting clients, rather than just making a sale, you build trust and long-lasting relationships. This approach not only fosters client loyalty but also paves the way for enduring commercial success.

Asking their perspective on current trends is also good. When you see something intriguing in the news, share and ask for their take on it. Show respect for their experience and insight!

Use positive empathy and measure progress. Be transparent, communicate openly, and genuinely care about your client's needs. Understand their perspective, actively listen, and adapt your approach to build a trusting and collaborative relationship. Remember, it's a two way street and an investment.

Practicing gratitude always required. Thanking stakeholders internal & external always create a good rapport which helps in future projects.

I have found that a key principle in growing and maintaining relationships is to make sure you understand the interests and motivations of your client. The client will perceive that you have their interests in mind, above your own- which more of than not- is a great lead for cultivating and maintaining good business relationships and project evolution. This principle goes a long way in empowering your clients in the short and long term.

The question is "why to maintain relationships" and I think everyone knows the answer. Repeat clients mean zero Business development and marketing cost, high loyalty and profitable long term Business. But project may be a transaction or an opportunity to build customer lifetime value. The latter is the way to think and hence having some "hooks" is always important. Build some hooks that make you meet the client regularly.

The number one things I endeavor to do is to avoid built in obsolescence and dependence. A sustained relationship with a client is most likely to happen when the relationship has been built on trust and respect. Avoid building in obsolescence by creating solutions that align to current realities and are adaptable as business evolves. Going hand in hand with that is ensuring that the client is not overly dependent upon you for expertise and guidance. From my perspective every consulting mandates needs to deliver solutions, education, and risk mitigation. That is built from the beginning. Tie the bow on the gift with a transition period, a guaranteed response to inquiries, supported by periodic check-ins on progress.

Your perspective is important. Think in terms of relationships, not projects. Each new client provides an opportunity to establish new relationships with a whole new group of people. Being genuinely helpful is the best business development approach you can take. To often consultants focus only on the senior client people. Of course that is important, but to do it exclusively is a mistake. Taking the time to bring everyone along on an assignment pays dividends - both in getting buy-in and in developing people. If clients benefit and their people learn from the experience, there will be two strong reasons to have you back. Often those less senior people become your strongest advocates and the quickest to suggest new opportunities.

If people working on a project build a relationship, they will always push for their respective companies to continue to work together.