There is so much emphasis on giving value nowadays, but what does that really mean for you and how people perceive you?
Whether you are a business owner or an employed professional, we are all aiming to do our best and to be recognised for the work we do. However, because we all have different strengths, abilities and ways of working, the goal is to create value in a way that helps you to get what you want as well as delivering what your clients expect?
Understanding Expectations
When you are providing a service, you should always start with understanding what your clients’ expectations are so that you can do your best to deliver to their requirements. It also allows you to see where there may be gaps that you are unable to fill yourself and therefore may need to seek outside support to help them get to where they want to be.
In these circumstances, using your connections to enhance the value that you provide to your clients, shows that you can resolve their challenges or issues without them having to go through the trouble of seeking additional help. This saves them time and potentially more expense which is definitely invaluable.
Empathise
Problem solving is a key element of your role as a service provider, but so is showing that you understand and care about your clients needs. Empathy creates trust and trust is a valuable asset when it comes to building loyal relationships. First and foremost, you are an emotional being and sharing your experiences be they personal or professional and how you felt about them helps to break down barriers and helps to build your clients confidence that you have their best interests at heart.
Don’t be afraid to show some vulnerability if your client needs to hear it from you. The will value and respect your honesty and see you in a different light to how they may see other service providers they may have worked with.
Be Forward Thinking
Based on your knowledge and experience, there will undoubtedly be tips and ideas that you can provide which will help your clients think about dealing their challenges in a way they maybe hadn’t before. This in turn could allow them progress to their goals quicker. Life isn’t always about following a set programme, sometimes what’s best for what they want to achieve is a different route that you know will suit them better.
Being flexible and innovative in the way you work provides your clients with service that is truly tailored to their circumstances. It adds value to the relationship you are developing with them, because they’ll experience and appreciate the individual treatment they receive.
Going the Extra Mile
Exceeding expectations will always set you apart from your competition. Demonstrating your personal value by providing additional services, information, products or other solutions that you know will help enhance your clients’ experience is proof of your dedication to them.
When they can see the value in how you work with them, it builds loyalty for you and your brand. Sometimes it’s the little things like reminders, tips and tools that they don’t expect which makes all the difference and encourages them to recommend you to others.
As a service provider, your personality, approach and professionalise in the way in which you work with your clients, helps you to build a strong reputation and reinforce your personal brand values to your clients. When you understand what matters most to them, you show empathy for their needs, create a personalised service and then you seek to make that even better, then you create exceptional client value.