In this remote environment, meeting client can be more challenging. You will no longer able to shake hands and feel each other’s positive energy. You won’t be able tread your client’s body language to help you decide what’s step to take next. However, there are still many ways in which you can share connection with clients by using the right tools and humanize the interaction during virtual meeting.
How to deeply connect with clients virtually
These days, more people are more familiar with using technology to get through the day. Like it or not, technology is playing important role during this difficult time. Many businesses are depending on technology to stay afloat. Therefore, you can also connect with your clients deeply even through a virtual meeting.
As mentioned that it is important nowadays to humanize every interaction. Hence, it is important for you to express your gratitude to your clients. Saying ‘thanks’ is so simple but it can help build stronger connection with your clients. By expressing gratitude, you have mutual appreciation to each other. However, make sure to be specific when thanking your client/ for example, thank them for staying up late to have a video chat with you.
Show more interest in your clients during virtual meeting. It can help building deep connection. Avoid jumping right up to the main issue during the video chat. You can ask them first about how they are feeling or what they are thinking about the project. By showing interest, you build more positive energy and make your clients more valued if anything. However, avoid asking questions that are too personal to your clients.
Do not shy away from creating virtual memories. Before pandemic, you might have taken your client into a hearty dinner or golf outing. These days, it seems impossible to do but you can do something else. You can create more meaningful memories by sharing interesting stories about your life. You can talk about your plants or pets. When you share your memories, your clients will open up to do the same. Hence, you will share stronger connection with each other.
Show your enthusiasm and positive energy. You can do it while expressing your gratitude by going with affirmations such as ‘we did it’ or you can go more detailed when saying your thanks such as ‘thank you for giving me those ideas late Friday so I could finish my report early’. however, make sure that you express your gratitude sincerely. If you do it exaggeratedly then you may sound fake instead.
Do not neglect the importance of eye contact. Video chat limits your ability to read your client’s body language. Hence, you can focus more on making eye contact and read facial expression instead. Try to build positive energy from what you find from it. Be more attentive in listening to your client. Sometimes minor mishaps happen such as interrupted Wi-Fi or blurry images. However, try not to lose your patience when those things happen.
