The first thing you should always consider when starting to work with a new client in any work environment, is that you are the expert in your field. The fact that they have realised they need advice with a project or a piece of work they have, highlights the first stage of acceptance that they need expert help.
Preparation
When a client comes to you for assistance you should, first, do some research on what it is they do, the size of the company, where they are based etc. In some ways it is like preparing for a job interview, if you have done the research, they will feel confident that you are interested and invested in their company and the work that you will do with them.
Guidance
If you think of yourself or your company as ‘hand holding’ your client through a process that they do not fully understand. A lot of our clients find themselves lost in a world of standards and accreditations, that they are expected to have as a company in order to achieve their end goal. That end goal could be a product or a service that they will deliver, but in order to do so, they must first prove to the end client that their company follows certain rules and requirements. Quite often they are working to very tight deadlines to achieve a certain standard or accreditation. This can cause stress as a larger project might be at risk without it.
Projects
Your job is to offer them reassurance, sit down with them and find out what it is they need. Having a clear plan in place with set targets and achievable goals, is key to ensure that everyone involved knows how to achieve the end goal of any project. Some people work well with lists and others like to have a more visual plan, such as a project board. You should get to know your client and find out what would work best for them. One of the key things is clear communication, ask questions, find out what they already have in place and offer praise, whilst giving them guidance on how to fill the gaps with what they don’t have.
At the end of the day, you are there to look after your client, to explain things to them in a clear and concise way, and to help them achieve their end goal. In doing this both yourself and your client will hopefully build a good working relationship, complete the project and both have a sense of achievement at the end of it.
For more information on accreditations or standards contact CSP here.