Our industry often gets requests that aren’t perfectly suited for our day-to-day core business strengths. Does good Client Relationship Management mean offering everything your client/prospect needs? Most of us have solid strengths in certain fields and weaknesses in others. Owning up to what you can do best versus where to utilize an independent contractor matters.
Being equipped with the right attitude and company philosophy can help you make those delicate decisions. When you know what you’re good at, what your clients need, and what you can deliver, you will be set up for success. All you need now is a core group of trusted vendor relationships to help you build a strong external team. Pair this with exceptional client relationship management skills and you are on the path to success. However, this is not always the case, so here are things to think about when these questionable opportunities come along.
There are options to consider when you are out of your company comfort zone
You don’t have to take on every project by yourself, but it’s not wrong to try!
Outsource the task
This is a great opportunity to rely on those in your trusted community to help you design and build the perfect team. In our industry, there are many different solutions to problems. Sometimes, you will have no option but to outsource the project or hand it over completely to someone who specializes in this task. Understanding and acknowledging our strengths has allowed us to build sound relationships to help us keep our clients happy with our work. This option has a high level of success.
Try and execute the project with the current staff
Could this be a set up for the perfect storm? We think this is an “at-risk” option. It’s also a great opportunity for your company to fail and destroy your reputation. Quickly. Overpromise and under-deliver will always work against you in any circumstance. If your staff does not have the skillset to deliver an outstanding finished product, now is not the time to teach and learn.
The most important detail in any successful relationship is clear communication and transparency. Communicating with your client about your company strengths and where you would consider bringing in a contracting partner is critical to maintaining a great partnership. Most of the time, the client will understand, but it is always best practice to advise who will be involved in the project both internally and externally.
Politely decline the offer to work on the project
This is always the preferred choice when you are out of your comfort zone and do not have any trusted partners to collaborate with on the project. Taking on a project where you have little to zero skill to complete the request is a guaranteed fail and not worth the risk of tarnishing your reputation.
It all comes down to this in Client Relationship Management: “Always take the high road… it’s less traveled!”
Want to learn more about how we can help you grow your business? Maybe you just simply want to check out our work and learn how we have helped others gain web traction! Give Group 2 a call at 412.841.3318 or email us at info@group2.com to learn more about our services and how we can help you catapult your marketing efforts.