A new client has signed on the dotted line and created a new business relationship with your company. It’s always an exciting opportunity, but it’s essential to think beyond the first payment and look at the ways to strengthen the bond of that new relationship further. Although the first instinct is to instantly knock the project out of the park with high-quality work, here, Ryan Rock, Ankeny entrepreneur and CEO of Empire AG, LLC shares some additional ways to add value at the beginning of a new business relationship.
- Send a thank-you note and personalized gift after the contract has been signed. It’s a nice gesture that says that this relationship is long-term rather than for a one-off project.
- Help them achieve their goals outside the project. See an interesting article about their niche or one of their competitors? Reach out and send them a link or clipping with a note letting them know that you were thinking about them and their success.
- Share your network. If they ask for recommendations or mention they need a new service provider, let them know who you turn to. Keep in mind if you’re not happy with the service they provide all the time, you may not want to share the information as you don’t want the recommendation’s poor business practices to reflect on your company. Stick with suggestions that you feel comfortable making.
- Go above and beyond with the finished product they’re expecting. Find some way to go the extra mile to impress upon them how important the budding relationship between them and your company is to you. You’ll always want to do your best work, of course, but find a way to make it even better. Deliver before their deadline. Handle something outside of the original scope that adds value to what you deliver.
- Create a bonus to go along with the new business relationship. Think about items such as white papers or infographics that provide value to the client.
- Offer incentives for loyal clients that come back to the company again and again. Give them a discount on their projects or throw in a few free items to sweeten the start of the relationship. This shows them that they are valued and that your company is right for their business needs.
- Find ways to be unique. Check out what your competition does for their clients and find ways to do it better. You want to add value in a way no other company can.
Following Ryan Rock’s tips will help you add unique value to your company. Turning a one-time client into a returning client can be very beneficial; they have the peace of mind knowing that they are working with a company that cares for their clients and provides excellent work while you’ll benefit from more than one project with the client. Adding extra value to your offerings can help strengthen your relationship enough that they’ll return again and again over the years.
About Ryan Rock
Ryan Rock, Ankeny native, successfully maintains a proactive work, family, and life balance. During his college career, Rock balanced multiple activities, which also forced him to categorize his priorities. Rock’s time-management and prioritizing skills allow his company, Empire AG, LLC, to take up multiple projects and deliver quality work.