8 Ways to Work With Demanding Clients
Clients come in all shapes and sizes some are easy to work with while others have a list of demands that must be met. As publicists and PR agencies, our role is to work alongside clients without sacrificing our values. It takes time and understanding in order to create a great working relationship with clients. The most important part is that we are actively listening and not constantly speaking. We need to understand our clients’ goals and needs.
For those who are wondering how to work with clients who are demanding, it’s crucial that you evaluate if their demands are realistic and attainable. Maybe it’s just a matter of adjusting expectations and outlook. Whatever the method you choose to use there are 8 ways to work with demanding clients.
1. Show Your Value
Demanding clients most likely have been burned before in the past so it’s important that you show them your value as a publicist or PR Agency. When you show your value people are willing to work alongside you.
2. Overdeliver and Underpromise
This one is our favorite. Always underpromise and overdeliver what you can do, this will always make you a winner. Too often as publicists and PR agencies, we tend to over-promise and when we fall short it creates tension between us and our clients.
3. Build Trust
Trust is MUST in anything you do along with integrity and values. If we don’t have that we don’t have any foundation to work off of. Gaining the trust of your client is your number one priority.
4. Be Prepared for Difficult Conversations
There will be moments when you have to have difficult conversations with clients. Don’t shy away from these because clients will respect you more for having the courage to have these conversations. Remember to stay professional even when you’re having difficult conversations.
5. Be Overly Communicative
As publicists we are built to communicate a matter of fact it’s the premise of our business. Learn to over-communicate with demanding clients. This will put them at ease to know what is happening and allows them to trust you.
6. Focus on Goals
Make sure you are clear about your client’s goals and that you are aiming in that direction. Demanding clients want to see results so being goal-oriented will benefit both parties.
7. Educate and Educate Some More
Don’t be afraid to educate your client on the industry news, trends, or what’s happening. Demanding clients will appreciate that you took the time to share additional information with them.
8. Learn Your Client’s Company Culture & Leadership
Take the time to know the brand, the people behind it, and who is steering the ship. It can tell you a lot about who you’re representing and it helps you to tell better stories when you’re pitching your client.
