Do your clients consider you easy? No, not the type of“easy” that wasn’t such a good thing to be in high school, I’m asking if youare easy to work with. The key components to having a good long-termrelationship with those you sell to are being someone who is flexible,responsive, and available. Let’s take a closer look at the concept of beingeasy.

Flexibility

Do you take a one size fits all approach with clients or doyou design your product offerings and services to benefit their specific needs?Flexibility is a must if you have competition. When you are rigid with what youoffer, you are giving your competition an edge, and they will most certainlyaccommodate your clients’ needs. Don’t give your competition the opportunity.Keep in mind that flexibility doesn’t just stop with what you are offering; italso applies to how you conduct business. Find out what your clients’ preferredmethod of communication is and use it. While you may like email, Joe Customermight prefer a phone call. It’s your job to find out preferences to keep yourclients happy and to maintain an ongoing image of being flexible and “easy.”

Responsiveness

Don’t underestimate how your success is affected by yourability to respond to a phone call or email. Let’s put it another way – beingslow to respond is a surefire way to lose a client. Even if you don’tnecessarily have an answer to what your client is asking, returning their callor email promptly is paramount. It’s always better to respond with an “I don’tknow” than not to respond at all. Develop a timeframe in which you return allcalls and emails and stick with it.

Availability

Availability goes hand-in-hand with responsiveness and isvital to keeping relationships strong and functioning properly. The goal shouldalways be to make it as easy as possible for your clients to reach you.  If you have a receptionist, make surethat the person is professional, friendly, polite, and knowledgeable. Yourclients should feel welcomed each time they call. If you have an autoattendant, make it user-friendly. Don’t drag your clients through a lengthy andunwieldy menu. If you are unreachable, have a default person or solution thatcan help your client.