HOW TO: CREATE A SUCCESSFUL CLIENT-AGENCY RELATIONSHIP

By establishing key understandings between yourself and your clients, an agency has the opportunity to foster long-lasting partnerships that reflect both parties. The foundation of an agency-client relationship is trust, and building it is key. You are aiming to grow their business, and ensuring them that you have their best interests at heart is critical. Once this is accomplished, you are sure to begin a successful working relationship.

Your relationship with clients does not necessarily have to take place within the context of the office. Chances are that your client wants to get out of the office as much as you do! Personalize the experience of working with your company by thinking outside the box — however, be sure to keep your client’s comfort zone in mind.

Face time is obviously one of the most important things you can do to build a relationship with anyone. Plan to do something unique/different/fun with your clients, especially when you’re in a new city. From unique dining experiences to comedy shows, it all depends on the personality of the client. Creativity is key!

Once you have established your relationship with the client, be sure to let them know that they can look to you to address their business needs in the future as well. Look beyond the execution of their current marketing strategy and to the next steps. What will they be looking for in six months? Five years? See how your agency will be prepared to address these needs and keep their business.

You may come across a few tricky clients, but an open and honest dialogue will stand you both in good stead in the long run. Understanding their needs and addressing them will allow for a clear and concise relationship that will potentially lead to work in the future.