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Last updated on Jan 17, 2025
  1. All
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  3. Client Relations

You're navigating a competitive field while building client rapport. How do you manage their expectations?

In a competitive industry, ensuring your clients feel valued while setting realistic expectations is key. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:

  • Set clear goals upfront: Establishing project timelines and deliverables early on helps manage client expectations.

  • Communicate regularly: Keep clients informed about progress and any potential changes to maintain trust.

  • Be transparent about limitations: Clearly explain what can and cannot be achieved to avoid misunderstandings.

How do you manage client expectations in your field? Share your insights.

Client Relations Client Relations

Client Relations

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Last updated on Jan 17, 2025
  1. All
  2. Sales
  3. Client Relations

You're navigating a competitive field while building client rapport. How do you manage their expectations?

In a competitive industry, ensuring your clients feel valued while setting realistic expectations is key. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:

  • Set clear goals upfront: Establishing project timelines and deliverables early on helps manage client expectations.

  • Communicate regularly: Keep clients informed about progress and any potential changes to maintain trust.

  • Be transparent about limitations: Clearly explain what can and cannot be achieved to avoid misunderstandings.

How do you manage client expectations in your field? Share your insights.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
10 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Paras Arora

    Co-Chief Executive Officer at StrategyWerks

    • Report contribution

    In the fast-paced world of tech, managing client expectations is crucial for building long-lasting relationships. I believe in setting clear goals from the start, ensuring that we’re all on the same page regarding timelines and deliverables. Regular, transparent communication is key—I make it a point to keep our clients informed at every stage, which builds trust and prevents any surprises. One thing that has always worked for us is under-promising and over-delivering. While we aim for excellence, we always leave room for going the extra mile. This not only sets realistic expectations but also exceeds client hopes.

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    5
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Sávio Freitas

    Team Leader | Customer Service | Support | People Management | Operations | Analyst | Teacher

    • Report contribution

    Gerenciar as expectativas dos clientes em um ambiente competitivo exige comunicação clara e proativa. Comece definindo expectativas realistas desde o início, detalhando o que seu produto ou serviço pode oferecer. Mantenha os clientes informados sobre o progresso e quaisquer desafios que possam surgir. Utilize relatórios de status regulares e esteja disponível para esclarecer dúvidas. Escute atentamente as preocupações dos clientes e responda de forma eficaz. Além disso, demonstre seu valor agregado em comparação com a concorrência, destacando diferenciais e resultados positivos. Por fim, cultive um relacionamento aberto e honesto, mostrando que você está comprometido com o sucesso deles.

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    Jack Reamer

    Founder | Podcast Host | 4x Dad

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    Any successful client relationship hinges on proactive management and clear communication: • Be upfront from day one. Think of onboarding as your foundation. Set realistic expectations — no fluff, no sugar coating. • Loop them in with regular updates because a quick check in email or call to say "This is where we are…" goes a long way. When challenges arise, address them directly and clearly outline solutions. • Ditch the cookie cutter approach and customize for each client's specific needs. • Back up your progress with data and benchmarks. Aim to surprise them with better results than promised, not the other way around. Transparent communication and consistent delivery is the key to building rapport in any competitive field.

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    2
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    Contributor profile photo
    Sagar S.

    Product Analyst at Bookabed, a TBO company || Ex-TaTa 1mg || Ex-SpiceJet || Ex-MMT

    • Report contribution

    Transparency builds trust & communication gives clarity. keeping them as motto; setting a correct expectation about timelines & deliverables can help managing a good business relationship with clients.

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    2
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    William T Cooper

    AGI Business Strategist - $1 Billion in Sales

    • Report contribution

    I use the Featured section of my LinkedIn profile and place a pitch deck, sales article, and press release in this section knowing that few B2B clients visit a website. If this information is prepared properly and users read it before purchasing, then expectations can be managed. I am in a very highly competitive new economy field and the above eliminates the majority of potential issues.

    Like
    1
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    Shashank Thapliyal

    A leader focused on Client Success, Cyber Security Advisor, GenAI, Global Alliances and Partnerships, Corporate Affairs, E-governance, and a Sales Professional

    • Report contribution

    It's critical to be transparent and share the limitations while managing clients' expectations. Let him know what is possible and what is not in the current SOW and budget. Be transparent and communicate with him regularly about the work weekly/monthly so that all stakeholders are aware of things being done by the company under the SOW. Share with them the responsibility matrix and dependencies if any on the customer for the smooth execution of the contract as well. Have weekly calls to clear confusion if any at their end, answer queries, and take customer inputs .

    Like
    1
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    Contributor profile photo
    Ahmed Hassanein

    B2C & B2B Sales _CRM _ Clients Success _ Accounts Management _ Logistics _ Saas || Ex ILLA _ Ex Fetchr _ Ex G Express

    • Report contribution

    To manage client expectations effectively in a competitive field: 1. Transparent Communication: Clearly outline deliverables, timelines, and potential challenges from the outset to establish trust and alignment. 2. Underpromise and Overdeliver: Set realistic expectations and exceed them with timely, high-quality results. 3. Regular Updates: Provide consistent progress reports, addressing concerns proactively and reinforcing confidence in your process. 4. Client-Centric Approach**: Personalize solutions and emphasize their unique value to the client’s goals. 5. Feedback Loops: Actively seek and incorporate feedback to demonstrate responsiveness and commitment to their satisfaction.

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    1
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    Pratik Chougule MRICS®

    IIMA Alumnus | Project and Program Management | Capital Projects | Digital Transformation

    • Report contribution

    Managing client expectations requires clear communication, transparency, and a focus on trust. I start by understanding their needs and setting clear, achievable goals. Regular updates and visual tools like dashboards keep them informed about progress. I ensure all agreements on deliverables and timelines are documented to avoid confusion. If challenges arise, I address them early with solutions. Listening to feedback and adapting to changes show empathy and flexibility. Finally, I aim to under-promise and over-deliver, exceeding expectations where possible. These practices build strong relationships and ensure client satisfaction.

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    Lydia Da Cruz

    Innovation & Transformation Consultant | Strategy | Storytelling | Co-Creation | Growth

    • Report contribution

    Managing client expectations is like hosting a dinner party—you can’t just wing it and hope they like the surprise casserole. I focus on three things: 1. Set the table early. Before work begins, I clearly outline timelines, responsibilities, and potential obstacles. Clients appreciate knowing what’s coming and what’s realistic. 2. Serve up transparency. Regular updates keep them in the loop—good news or bad. It’s about addressing issues before they notice them and showing you’re on top of things. 3. Make it personal. Tailor solutions to their needs and celebrate their wins as if they’re yours. The key? A little honesty, a lot of listening, and always leaving room for dessert—exceeding expectations with something extra.

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    Diego Martins

    Gerente Operacional| Gestão de pessoas |Gerente CX | Customer Sucess | Inside Sales | Ominichannel | Implantação de operações Call Center

    • Report contribution

    Para gerenciar as expectativas dos clientes, é essencial alinhar expectativas desde o início, fornecer atualizações frequentes, ser transparente sobre imprevistos, definir um escopo claro e construir um relacionamento de parceria. Essas práticas ajudam a evitar mal-entendidos e fortalecer a confiança.

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