Streamline your Client Communication and earn more money!
Client communication is not something you might have expected to learn about when you set up your service-based business, but the reality is, it’s a big part of it!
Juggling emails, inquiries, and feedback can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin. But what if I told you there’s a way to streamline your client communication that not only reduces stress but also puts more money in your pocket? In this post, we’re delving into the art of efficient client communication and how it’s the secret sauce to financial growth and a stress-free business.
Picture this: A refined communication system that doesn’t leave you feeling on edge all the time, and cuts your client communication time in half! Sound good? Let me show you how 👇Â
Streamline communication channels
The important thing to remember here, is that this is YOUR business and just because you agree to work with a client, does not mean they get to decide exactly how you do that (that would make you an employee!) 🙄
So when you are on a discovery call and you are discussing commutation (which is really important at this stage), make it clear what options the client has.
I say options because I do believe in giving some flexibility and choice to the client, this isn’t about you calling all the shots, it’s about you setting some boundaries.
Decide on 2 (maximum 3) ways that the client can communicate with you, and explain how you would respond to those methods.
For example, if you list ‘Email’ 📧 and ‘WhatsApp’ 💬 as your preferred methods of communication you might want to also add that Whatsapp is for quick questions and things that require a quicker reply, and that email is for tasks and project work communication. It’s also important (especially if you don’t have a work phone) that you will only respond to those message within your standard working hours.
By minimising the amount of ways a client can communicate with you, you reduce the amount of apps and software you have to open every single day, which can add up really quickly!
If I were to just accept whatever communication my clients preferred, I’d spend half my day flitting between different apps just to feel on top of things 
Templates and Automation
Templates
My guess is you’ve probably helped your own clients do this, but have never thought about doing it in your own business (or you have thought about it but never got around to actually implementing it!)
Having templated responses for things like onboarding, chasing invoices, explaining processes, out of office emails, and more, can be a game changer in terms of saving time and money in your business!
A template doesn’t have to be the whole email (I prefer a personal touch in my business) but that doesn’t mean the main parts can’t be duplicated across your work. There’s just no need to explain your services over and over in different ways, save that for your marketing!
Automation
The next best thing after templates? Automation! Not everything in your business can be automated, but where possible it’s a great way to free up time and headspace. Here’s some examples of templated automations that work really well in a service-based business:
💲 Invoices for retainer clients – if you are sending the same invoice on repeat every month then automating this is going to save you some time. My business banking is with Natwest, and so I use their free accounting software FreeAgent, which includes automated invoices – why waste time when you can have it do it for you? It takes just minutes to set up.
💬 Auto Respond Messages – If you have Whatsapp Business, you can set an automated message to anyone who sends you a message outside of your normal working hours. This is a great way to keep clear boundaries with clients and is free to use!
If you’re looking for more tips on how to streamline your business as a service provider, then grab my free download on 3 ways to Boost your income as a serviced provider here 👇
3 Ways to Boost your Income as a Service Provider
Streamline your business for more money and less stress!
