We have a saying around here. “What we say is OPINION; What the client says is FACT.”
Take a minute to engage in this quick activity. Explore your intention and your impact with clients
and then mentally check items on each list that apply. Be honest with yourself.
Do the two match?
How did you do? We believe that you possess all of those hallmarks and more. That being the case, here is another question: are you receiving plenty of quality introductions from your clients? Not just handshakes at local networking meetings; we are talking introductions where your best clients take the time to personally introduce you to their peers or family members, along with a suggestion that you explore a professional engagement. Is this happening frequently? Are the introductions plentiful?
If your answer ranges from “not really” to “nope, not by a long shot,” how do you explain that? We can all agree that someone who possesses all of the attributes listed above should be in high demand. Do you need to ramp up your marketing, refresh your logo, print a new brochure, or look for more speaking gigs at local civic group meetings? Or, perhaps you feel you need to be more consistent and persistent about asking your current clients for introductions. (Unfortunately, multiple studies show that clients–particularly the affluent–don’t like such requests.) So, what is it?
It’s not your knowledge or skill
Starting from a different place is as simple as exploring, learning, practicing, and implementing:
enhanced client communication,
library of better questions,
collaborative team strategies,
methods for engaging client families, and
other skills that are necessary to build deeper, more significant, and productive relationships with clients.
That’s what you will experience at:
Better Listening, Better Questions, Better Relationships
This is both a stand-alone academy that we recommend all professionals take and the first session of the Heritage Design Professionals™ Certification Coaching Program for those who wish to pursue the MASTER designation. The skills and experience you gain at this online academy will increase your client’s regard for your services, making it far more likely that they will volunteer to introduce you to their friends and colleagues. That level of enthusiastic introductions is invaluable to your business. In addition, the tools you will leave this training with will differentiate you from other advisors in your area. One advisor who took this training told us later that he was becoming known as “The Professional Who Asks the Most Interesting Questions.” The increase in introductions and associated business he received confirmed that he found a differentiator that really paid off.
Wherever you are in your career, you can benefit from the skills you will learn at this Academy.