Are you struggling to figure out how to move forward in this volatile business environment? Over 82% of small businesses are still concerned about the impact of the pandemic. Now more than ever, businesses need reliable partners who are looking out for their best interests. Here’s our advice on how to forge sustainable client relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understand the current situation
Today’s business environment is honestly unlike anything anyone has seen in their lifetime. It is not every day a global pandemic completely uproots society. And right now, a lot of businesses are struggling to make ends meet.
With social distancing measures in place, many offices are closed, and employees are working from home with a lot of distractions on their minds. Stress is at an all-time high. Not to mention, they, or a loved one, might be sick or can contract the illness at any time.
For these specific reasons, you must understand the unique situation we currently find ourselves. If reaching out to a business, you must be compassionate. Now is not the time to send dozens of flashy emails, expecting an immediate response. Be patient. And more importantly, be respectful, because a lot of people have a lot on their plate right now.
Help rather than sell
If you only see profits right now, you are going to struggle to find business. Move profits to the back of your mind and genuinely put in the effort to help your customers. Now is the time to understand a customer’s business needs and to develop a unique strategy that enables a quick win. The business landscape is currently changing very rapidly, so you want a plan that adheres to the changing times.
Helping, rather than selling, is something Reap and Sow has proudly been doing long before the COVID-19 pandemic. We wholeheartedly believe that it is unethical to sell products or services that are unnecessary for business. Instead of a quick sell, we focus our time and energy on building trust and forging long term relationships with our customers.
Utilize active listening
Rather than dominating a conversation, give the client the necessary time to voice their questions and concerns, and be there to truly listen to their point of view without interruption. Avoid simplicity. You want a cerebral conversation. Do not ask yes or no questions; ask open-ended questions that fuel discussion and leads to solutions. And remember, what’s left unsaid can be just as important as what is said.
Now due to COVID-19, in-person meetings have moved to online, which makes active listening more important than ever. Some questions that can help fuel the discussion and encourage active listening include:
- “Tell me more about that?”
- “Let me get this right,”
- “How could this help your bottom line?”
Do what you promised
At the end of the day, focus on keeping commitments and making a positive impact, and the results will prove themselves. If you need assistance, do not be afraid to ask for it. We all need help every once in a while, and these businesses need it more than ever. You need to put in a true 9-5 workday, and will probably be working considerable overtime. And do not forget to adjust strategically if needed, there are still a lot of unknown variables in this pandemic.
At Reap and Sow Marketing, we put your business’s needs above everything else. If you partner with us, you know we are only looking out for your best interest and not just for our own. There are a lot of wonderful things that separate us from other digital marketing agencies. Contact us today to learn more!