Working as a virtual assistant or freelancer entails more than simply doing a job and getting paid for it. If you work consistently for some clients you may develop long term relationships with them.
But sometimes they may ask you to do things that aren’t in their best interests or could be done better. Even if they trust you that doesn’t mean it’s easy to bring those observations to their attention.
In fact, if it isn’t their idea or they don’t agree, such conversations could be downright uncomfortable. So, when those situations develop, you need to find a way to motivate clients to take your business advice.
Take an Interest in Them
First, to motivate clients to take your business advice you need to get them to trust you. One way to do that is to take interest in them and not just the business side of your relationship.
Find out a little bit about their family and other interests they have. Ask them what they like to do in their free time. Giving personal attention shows you care about them personally rather than just how much they pay you.
Of course, you also don’t want to make it seem like you are prying or fishing for information. In other words, don’t ask so many questions at once they think you are playing 20 questions with them.
Instead ask them questions casually over a period of time. Slip questions into conversation when it comes up naturally. Then when the time comes to offer them sound business advice, they will know you are sincere.
Listen to Their Needs
As you work with your clients, listen to their needs and concerns. Work to make their business and what you do for them the very best it can be. Keep their best interests in mind as you work with them.
Offer advice along the way as you work with them. Then, when the time comes to motivate clients to take your business advice, they will be open to it.
Offer Resolutions to Problems
When you work with one or more clients long term there are bound to be problems that come up. But if working with your clients to resolve issues quickly will further build their trust in you.
You should also strive to go above and beyond as well as providing excellent service at all times. While you’re at it, if you can save them money it will strengthen their trust as well.
Over time your clients will come to expect great service and will respect you for it. When it comes time to offer them advice, they will be ready and motivated to listen to your ideas.
Be Honest at All Times
Remain honest with your clients at all times. This is another way to motivate clients to take your business advice.
If you have bad news or need to tell them something unpleasant, be honest about it. Clients that hear bad news will still appreciate your honesty. This is especially true if you can offer some solutions as well.
When you’re honest with your clients they’ll respect your work ethic and be willing to listen to your business advice.
It’s important to build good relationships with your clients if you expect to work with them for the long term. But it also improves the likelihood that they will listen to you when issues arise. Try using the tips above to motivate clients to take your business advice and improve.
