Coloring Outside the Lines - Working in Parternship with My Clients

[Note: I am so tired of the phrase "thinking outside the box" that I am naming this post "coloring outside the lines." It means the same thing, but it sounds fresher to me.]

I was recently asked by a prospective client how I can help her get more visibility for her retail business. She owns a darling, niche-based yarn and knitting shop in downtown Kent called Renaissance Yarns. She seems to be doing all of the right things right, but wants to know how to further grow her business both online and off.

My niche is marketing small businesses in the service sector, though I've done some retail marketing. Rather than say "I can't help," I'm taking this project on as a challenge. What can I learn that can help her to gain visibility? How can I draw more loyal customers to her business? That's the beauty - and challenge - of marketing. It is an art, not a science, and what works for one business might not work for another...but I'm excited about the possibilities. She has a wonderful product, a gorgeous store and a talented staff. I want to help her succeed, while at the same time learning more about marketing retail companies. In this way, we are working together in partnership.

Have a great idea to share? Please post it. I'm open to suggestions!


Virtually Yourz,

Dana

Communication is Key

When working with any client, communication is key. This is particularly true when working virtually, especially if you've never had the opportunity to meet your client face to face. You have to count on every phone conversation, e-mail and written business agreement to fill in all of the needed blanks: work to be done, deadline, standards, expectations, payment terms, etc.

This recently came into play with a new client that hired me to do some web copywriting for her. We discussed the project by phone, and I followed up with a business agreement outlining what I'd do and when and what her role would be (providing information and paying me on time). I completed the project on time and haven't heard from the client since! She indicated via e-mail that the first page was "great," so I'm stumped as to what's happened. I've tried calling and e-mailing, but no word yet. Fortunately, I have the documentation of our agreement to back me up if needed.

This is yet another live-and-learn situation for me. I've been working virtually for nearly 5 years and have never had a client drop off the face of the earth before, though several have been slow in communicating with me. Usually when such things happen, I find a way to work an explanatory clause into my business agreement.

Have you ever had a similar situation? If so, how did you handle it? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Virtually Yourz,

Dana