How to apologize when you mess up
A sincere and an elaborate apology can go a long way with clients.
Asking questions demonstrates deep engagement
Asking your clients questions in order to clarify the project’s requirements is a much better strategy than not asking questions for fear of appearing incompetent.
The “good results and good communication” gold standard… and insurance
Great work combined with great communication will keep clients exceptionally happy.
Discuss yellow flags very early
It’s easier to openly discuss minor issues before they turn into major ones.
List your Achilles’ Heels
Share not only your strengths, but also your weaknesses with your clients because it will show them that you are aware of your flaws, and that you’re mature enough to work on them.
Systematize everything
For repetitive work processes write up a document that outlines this process in detail.
Luck is not a strategy
Luck is not a strategy; strategy is a strategy.
Drop happy surprises regularly… and do the work behind the happy surprises (Maslow at work)
Once in a while surprise your clients to remind them of your amazing abilities in case they’ve taken them for granted.
Frame documents as “notes” or “drafts”
When you initially name shared documents as “drafts,” you lower people’s expectations of formal writing, so they focus on the content.
Always take the blame… so you can focus on forward-looking problem-solving
Take the blame for something that goes wrong if that means moving forward in terms of work engagements.
