The hottest Client Relations Substack posts right now

When starting with a new client, I prioritize getting to know them through a discovery session. This helps both of us see if we’re a good fit for working together.
During the discovery session, I listen to the client’s vision and goals. It’s a helpful chat that aims to clarify their direction and identify any action steps.
After the discovery call, I send a recap email and a coaching agreement. I also ask clients to reflect on some questions before our first session to get the most out of our time together.

Start with identifying a problem that needs solving. Focus on what others need instead of just your own ideas.
Choose the right clients who align with your values and needs. This helps you work better and smarter with a specific group.
Give before you ask for anything. Start by offering something for free to build trust and show what you can do.

Balancing client work and personal projects is important. Setting aside specific times or days to work on personal goals can help prevent getting overwhelmed by client demands.
Being genuine and helping others can build strong professional relationships. Sharing experiences and engaging authentically on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to valuable connections.
It's crucial to keep pushing out of your comfort zone. Reflecting on your goals and staying focused on your 'why' can motivate you to pursue long-term ambitions instead of getting stuck in the short-term grind.

Hiring others can really help your freelancing business. It lets you see how different people work and what good service looks like.
The way freelancers respond to your messages says a lot about them. Good communication is key and helps you decide who to hire.
Keep your job postings clear and ask simple questions. This helps filter out freelancers who aren't paying attention to what you need.

Being able to walk away from a situation means you have leverage and control. It shows you can handle consequences and find alternatives.
If you're not confident about walking away from something, you might want to explore other income options. This way, you create choices for yourself.
Sometimes you might have to accept a lack of leverage and deal with situations you can't change. It's okay to move on and not let it affect your peace of mind.

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Watch out for agencies that promise unrealistic results, like a 10x return on ad spend. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Be cautious if an agency only shares selective positive data. Reliable results should be backed by a broader range of data over time.
Make sure your goals are clear and that the agency takes accountability. If they shift focus away from your goals, that's a red flag.

Most clients find working with performance agencies a waste of time and money.
Hire a performance agency when you are ready to scale and have clear product and marketing foundations.
Avoid performance agencies if you need help solving fundamental business issues and focus on product-market fit instead.

Working on high-stakes projects with high-profile clients requires clear communication and managing expectations.
Handling technical challenges and chaotic situations can lead to valuable learning experiences and skill development.
Prioritizing having the right team members in critical project phases like filming can make or break the success of a project.

Look out for clients who can't clearly tell you what they want. If they keep changing their mind or seem confused, it could be a sign of trouble.
Be cautious of clients who expect free work or make promises about future jobs that never happen. It's usually better to get a commitment upfront.
Always have a retainer agreement in place. This helps set clear expectations and protects you if things go wrong.

When faced with too many demands, focus on solving the customer's most important problems first. It’s better to tackle what's truly necessary rather than trying to please everyone.
Communication is key. A skilled account manager can help manage expectations and guide clients toward what they actually need instead of what they want.
It’s important to distinguish between essential requirements and nice-to-have features. This clarity can help teams deliver projects successfully and on time.

Investment banks often prioritize their own interests over those of their clients. This creates a relationship where both sides can be exploitative.
The focus on deal-making and specialization in finance can lead to a lack of understanding about the broader impacts of decisions. Narrow expertise often overshadows the need for a bigger picture perspective.
For investment banks to be more client-focused, they should hire generalists, tie compensation to long-term relationships, and be more selective about their clients.