Client Service: Redefining Client Service

As client service leaders, communication with our clients, even the most standard or seemingly innocuous, can somehow become tumultuous or confusing. I've created a fun guide to follow when sending emails, making calls or even presenting information face-to-face to ensure that your client is clear on what you expect and that you are covering all your bases in the communication.

It's called my "RAISE yourself to a higher standard" trick:

R- Relevant: Make your communication relevant to the recipient. Do they really need to be CC'd or BCC'd?

A- Actionable: Make sure the recipient knows what they are suppose to do now that you've communicated with them.

I- Informative: Nothing worse than an email response in the middle of a busy day with only this word in it: "Thanks". Not that you shouldn't be appreciative, but disseminate valuable information only. Save the "Thanks" for the next email you send to that person later in the day. "Hey, thanks again for help on that project. Now I have another opportunity I'd like to discuss with you..."

S- Succinct: Keep it short. Whether in-person, on the phone or in email. Keep to the facts and don't go off on tangents.

E- Expectations understood. Is there anything else to say?

RAISE all your communications at work and at home and find yourself saving time, getting better results, and saving yourself a few headaches.