While the recession hits hard on many industries, the smaller, stronger businesses tend to leap forward. Clients who previously had funds to burn in the marketing department are all of a sudden aware that each dollar must count. They tend to consider smaller agencies and often discover an attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile that they potentially weren’t getting before. Suddenly meetings with ten creative minds turns into one or two and it begins to run even smoother than before. All of a sudden, there is an up side, they have found someone to listen and care like never before.
There are three sure ways to maintain steady business even in a recession: produce quality work, ensure prices are competitive and communicate with your client.
After 7 years of trading Shell Graphix continues to increase in popularity and this is a direct result of these elements. Word of mouth does not lie and it becomes a necessity to ensure we offer top notch service to our existing clients as well as those referred to ensure everyone remains happy.
Here are the keys to offering unbeatable service to your clients:
- Communication – If you ask the right questions, you are more likely to get it right the first time. The ability to think on your feet is crucial, especially when meeting with a prospective client.
- Flexibility – When clients are not sure where to invest their minimal design budget, try to offer solutions that will ensure they don’t cut corners and still make them look like a million dollars. You can offer repayment plans, suggest alternative ideas to push their budget further, create multi-purpose pieces.
- Reliability – If you promise a job by a certain day or time, make sure you follow through with the goods. If the unforeseen steps in make sure you keep the client updated and well informed. They will appreciate the courtesy and you will rest easier knowing you have a little more time.
- Individuality – Clients often have ideas that have been done a thousand times before. This is where your creative mind needs to step in and take control. Try suggesting different ideas to get their mind on your creative track. They will be happy you have taken the time to think more about their project, and you get to be more creative. Each job is only as creative as you make it.
- Professionalism – If you treat your clients with dignity and respect there is a good chance that will be reciprocated. First impressions count and this includes the way you look, sound and act. While designers may not need to wear suits and ties it is important to dress to impress – it may well be the final element that sways a potential client to choose you. Besides, if you look good you feel good and confidence plays a vital role.
If you are after a 9 to 5 job where you can stop thinking about work at night and on weekends, then running your own graphic or web design agency is not for you. It is a constant commitment and it is near impossible to shut off and stop thinking about what exciting project you get to create next!
