Building a solid relationship with a client is essential for any business. At HRchitect, we know that the success of an HCM project begins with a strong client relationship. Here are some key success factors HRchitect consultants use when forming new client relationships.
Clear Communication – Be Transparent:
Clear and transparent communication is the key to any successful client relationship. To foster effective communication, it is beneficial to learn more about the client before you meet with them. We seek to understand who we are working with and invest time in getting to know the client’s business.
Once we are working together, clear client communication means:
- Keeping our client informed.
- Setting realistic goals together.
- Sending daily or weekly updates on progress, changes, and risks that may slow down the project.
- Meeting regularly and using a management tool that keeps the client on track and shows them we are being transparent.
- Discussing what is realistic and what is not. Work together to find solutions.
Stay Positive:
We aim to always keep a positive attitude with our client. A positive attitude will help the client feel confident and helps us build trust, so it is easier for everyone to work together.
Remain Human:
Most of the time, HRchitect consultants interact with our clients through email or an online meeting platform. We aim to humanize ourselves while we work virtually by being present and showing our face on camera via a platform such as Zoom or Teams. When we get the opportunity to meet in person, we always take that opportunity! Building a personal connection with our clients helps us connect and create stronger working relationships.
Share Knowledge:
HRchitect consultants are known for sharing our knowledge with our clients. We let them know we are there to help. Sharing knowledge builds trust and shows clients that we want the client to succeed. These actions help clients understand that we value our relationship. Holding mini-training sessions on subjects they may be struggling with is an effective way our consultants share knowledge. Being proactive and resolving issues as they arise shows we respect our client’s time and that they are our priority.
Support and Follow-up:
This commitment to ongoing support and follow-up is not only about addressing issues. It’s also about maintaining a positive and long-lasting relationship. At HRchitect, we understand that long-term client engagements are built on our relationships and based on the client’s favorable past experiences with us.
Summary
In conclusion, building strong client relationships during a project requires clear communication, responsiveness, trust, excellent client service, patience, the ability to listen, and the willingness to give and seek feedback. HRchitect consultants understand that all projects will have challenges but remain positive and confident throughout those challenges. Confidence helps everyone focus on the project’s success. We also believe that one of the most powerful ways we can differentiate ourselves from other consulting firms is when our clients share their experiences with others. Our feedback from over 170 clients (as of this writing) is prominently showcased on our Raven Intelligence profile. This is a testament to how our clients feel about their relationships with our consultants.
Our consultants understand that systems knowledge, project skills and understanding your organizational needs are vital to project success. We also know that our relationships with our clients set us apart from our competition.
Contact us to learn how we can work together and build a long-term relationship to assist with all your HCM technology needs.
About the Author
Kim Ewing brings over 25 years of Human Resources experience. She has extensive experience in all aspects of HCM technology and excels in strategic and operational leadership. Kim has a passion for the effective use of HCM technology and maintaining great client relationships.
Learn more about Kim Ewing on LinkedIn.