Client satisfaction is one of the critical competitive advantages for any business. In fact forming strong relationships and maintaining them is essential in all spheres of life. To make strong relationships initially is easy, but to keep them going strong for long all it requires is time and effort. This post outlines 7 tips to build and maintain strong and long lasting relationship with your clients.

• Do your homework: Are you meeting your prospective client for the first time? Are you kind of nervous whether you will get the project or not? You can simply do background work. Read as much as you can about your client. This includes client related industry and segment, vision, mission and goals of the client’s company, market conditions, etc.
• First impression is the last impression: This is generally true for all. Appearance is important. You should be presentable. That does not mean you need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. One or two simple business suits will suffice. Smile, be friendly, arrive 10 minutes early, shake hands firmly, and make a good eye contact. These are little things, but do go a long way in helping you build your career.
• Be exceptionally good at your work: Work is worship. Your good looks can get you the client but to keep him you need to produce quality work. The more value you bring to the table, the more you will be in demand. Build your reputation as someone who is exceptionally knowledgeable, talented, reliable, and honest in their work.
• Make a personal connection: Take your client under consideration and try to determine what would make you valuable and memorable to them. Find ways to show your gratitude to the client. It could be anything from remembering his/her birthday to sending festival greetings. In fact do this for all your clients. Get in touch with a local gift supplier. Add a personal touch to your relationship by sending your client some gift items on special occasions.
• Meet the deadlines: When you say you are going to deliver, make sure you do. There should be no question of doubt in your client’s mind. Build trust and the client will find it difficult to leave you. In between reliable, quality worker and cheap, untrustworthy worker one seldom chooses the second option. Your image is your armor, so wear it at all points of time.
• Be honest: Honesty is the key to the success of any relationship. Be it personal or professional front, you must communicate with your clients honestly. A missed call can do more damage to your reputation than you could imagine.
• Stay connected: Make your client feel safe. Always be within reach. Pick up your client’s call, revert back to the mails, give regular progress reports and in case of delays and shortcomings notify beforehand. It shows the value a client’s project holds for you.
• Take regular feedback: Find out if your service/product is what the client is seeking. Ask for feedbacks. Try making improvements to better serve your client. They are sure to appreciate your efforts.

It is also important to be yourself at all points of time. Never pretend to be what you are not as it may go against you in the long run. Apply above given tips in your daily life at a professional level. You are bound to see the positive impact it will have on you and your client’s relationship.