You need to build a better relationship with your clients. How can you make them feel heard?

1 Ask open-ended questions

One of the best ways to make your clients feel heard is to ask open-ended questions that invite them to share their thoughts, feelings, and expectations. Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, such as "What are your main challenges right now?" or "How do you measure the success of this project?" These questions encourage your clients to elaborate on their perspectives, reveal their pain points, and express their desires. They also give you an opportunity to learn more about your clients and their needs, which can help you tailor your solutions and services accordingly.

2 Listen actively and attentively

Another way to make your clients feel heard is to listen actively and attentively to what they say. Active listening means that you pay full attention to your clients, avoid distractions, and show interest and curiosity. Attentive listening means that you acknowledge your clients, provide feedback, and clarify any misunderstandings. You can show active and attentive listening by using verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding, smiling, paraphrasing, summarizing, and asking follow-up questions. These cues demonstrate that you are engaged, respectful, and empathetic with your clients.

4 Follow up and follow through

A fourth way to make your clients feel heard is to follow up and follow through on what they say. Follow up means that you check in with your clients regularly, update them on the progress of your work, and ask for their opinions and suggestions. Follow through means that you deliver on your promises, meet your deadlines, and achieve your goals. You can follow up and follow through by using clear and consistent communication, such as emails, calls, or meetings, and by using tools and systems, such as calendars, reminders, or reports. These actions show that you are reliable, accountable, and committed to your clients' success.

5 Solicit and act on feedback

A fifth way to make your clients feel heard is to solicit and act on feedback. Feedback is the information that your clients give you about your performance, quality, and satisfaction. Soliciting feedback means that you ask your clients for their honest and constructive opinions and evaluations. Acting on feedback means that you use their feedback to improve your skills, services, and results. You can solicit and act on feedback by using methods and formats, such as surveys, reviews, or testimonials, and by using strategies and techniques, such as SMART goals, action plans, or performance indicators. These practices show that you are open, responsive, and adaptable to your clients' needs and expectations.

6 Share your insights and expertise

A sixth way to make your clients feel heard is to share your insights and expertise with them. Insights and expertise are the knowledge and experience that you have in your field, industry, or niche. Sharing them means that you offer your clients valuable and relevant information, advice, and solutions. You can share your insights and expertise by using channels and platforms, such as blogs, podcasts, or webinars, and by using formats and styles, such as stories, case studies, or infographics. These resources show that you are confident, credible, and helpful to your clients.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?