Building and Maintaining Client Relationships

“Sure thing, we will take care of it!” These words come out of my mouth at least 25 times a week. Why, you ask? Because it is my goal each day to make sure that our clients know we are here to be a partner in their marketing, advertising and public relations efforts. And, as the Account Executive for the client, I am the person who must make sure that they receive this message and that they fully understand and believe in this.

I always have a focus on making sure the work gets done and the client is satisfied. But, additionally, I find it important to get to know my clients on a personal level. I like to know their birthdays, the names of their family members, what they like to do when they are not working. I find that working on this level only improves how we work together on planning, projects, and our overall collaboration as a team.

For instance, I have worked with one of my clients for several years now. And at the start of each project, we meet to discuss the details. Is the job a print ad, radio spot or a direct mail? We talk about the theme of the job, if it will be a four-color job and what size will it be. This is the time where they are able to download any specifications that might be helpful for me to share with the Art Director on the account. We roll through these meetings, jumping from one item to the next. Much of the reason these have become a breeze is partially because we have had over 50 of these meetings and also because our relationship, both work and personal, has developed so much over the last three years.

So I challenge anyone in Account Services to do the same, if you are not already. Make sure you have a good business relationship by enhancing it with a personal element. Be sure to find out their birthdays, set them up in your calendar and keep a working file on each of your clients. It will only improve your relationship with them and overall will improve your work together.