Since I am a writer and a professional speaker, my clients consist of online web-based clients and professional businesses offline. When I approach clients, whether at a luncheon or through an online forum, I must present myself first as a professional and as an educated, knowledgeable leader in my niche market. My clients must understand that they’re doing business with someone who can help them, know what direction they’re trying to go in and help them to achieve it by giving them the attention, tools and specific things they need to make their projects a success. Here are three very important things that you can do in your business to ensure its success:

• Always communicate with your clients. This is by far one of the chief complaints that I hear and read about online concerning those who are in service-based businesses especially. Clients repeatedly complain that they can’t “get a hold of” the person to whom they’ve trusted their projects. It’s unacceptable to not talk with your clients and keep them abreast on what you’re doing and where you are with their projects. Talk with them, give them updates, ask questions (if necessary) and just be available.
• Give stellar results. This should go without saying, but oftentimes, stellar results are not what is given from the business owner to the client. Often the mentality is jut “get-’er-done” and a big sigh at the end of the project. When working with clients, it’s important to over-deliver so that you stand out from the competitors and so that you create an ever-lasting impression on them that will make you hard to forget. Have you done that?
• Practice integrity. This is especially important in service-based businesses. You know how it is when you’ve been quoted one price over the phone, but the invoice reflects a totally different one. That’s not right. If you’ve made an addition error, suck it up and honor the price you quoted. It’s far better to lose a few dollars on the front end than to lose a client and risk your good name or image you’ve tried to build.

A client’s loyalty doesn’t automatically come with their business. You have to work hard to keep it and even harder to prove that you’re worth it. Whatever industry you’re in, there is A LOT of competition out there waiting to pick up any business that you don’t think is worth it. Don’t let that happen to you. Treat your business well and your business will treat you well.

Do you ever have that problem? Too much work? With today’s current economy, I know there are a lot of people who wished they had that “problem.” Although it can be overwhelming to juggle several clients or projects at once, it can also be satisfying to know that you’re creating a solid income for yourself and you’re doing it all online or from the comforts of home. Let me tell you how to get that “problem.”

1.) Be available. Always let your clients know that you’re there for them. Let them see this by taking on small projects when they have them or picking up the slack if necesary.

2.) Communicate. You don’t have to be their BFF, but talk to them as much a possible or necessary, especially if you’re handling something big for them. Communication doesn’t always have to be a phone call. It can a tweet or even a Facebook status update. Be creative in how you communicate with them, but make it appropriate as well. Clients need to have confidence in you, and communicating with them helps instill that confidence.

3.) Deliver, then over-deliver. Stick to your dates of delivery. If you say your product(s) will be shipped by noon tomorrow, then golly-gosh, ship them by noon tomorrow!! If you have a writing deadline of Friday at 8:00 a.m., finish it and deliver it on Thursday by noon. This will impress the clients so much and give them the confidence they need in your abilities and will possibly give you MORE work.

These are some of the things that I’ve done that have helped me get more business and enjoy repeat business from my writing clients. I guarantee you that it will work if you apply the principles and be patient.

As for me, I’m going to get back to my deadlines now and concentrate on over-delivering. Yes business is good, and soon, you’ll be able to say the same thing!

Marketing starts with one step. I am suggesting to you today to make that one baby marketing step something small. Post to your Facebook status. Make a short blog post under 250 words (like this post will be today). Or, even comment on someone else blog and leave a link to your site. Make it happen, whatever it is, and you would have made a marketing effort. Albeit small, it won’t be insignificant.

Start with something, anything. And then, work your way from there. Happy Monday all!!