Communicating with Clients

The way businesses communicate with clients has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. Remember the days before the Internet? It’s funny to look in old magazines, and see adds without the now ubiquitous website address. Those old ads simply asked you to call or stop in, or even mail $1 for a catalog. These days, successful businesses offer a variety of ways for clients to interact with them. 

Many clients will expect you to be available via most of the following: 

• Cell phone
• Email
• Text messaging
• Instant messaging
• Video calls / Skype 
• Fax

Whatever methods you  use, keep in mind your strengths and weaknesses. If your spelling or grammar could use some work, try typing your messages in a word processor (with spelling and grammar check turned on) before copying and pasting them into your email program. Video conferencing requires a clean background for your web cam, free of potentially offensive material (including a messy office). 

We’ve all got our preferred methods of communication. I know a few  craftsmen who claim to have cell phones, but never answer them. I myself prefer email, and have only texted perhaps twice in my life, under duress. But remember that age-old mantra: “Make it easy for clients to do business with you.” I’m not suggesting that we should all run out and buy the latest gadget on the off chance that somebody may want to use it to talk to us. I'm merely pointing out an age old truth - we've got to adapt or face the consequences.