Experienced solo professionals know that seeing themselves through the eyes of their clients is difficult. They also realize that it’s important to try. After all is said and done – it’s how each client experiences working with us that defines our brand.
Not long ago, I decided to explore this idea with a brief, anonymous client survey. I sent an email to about half of my clients. It said, in part: “I want to better understand your experience as my client. Would you be willing to take a minute or two now and answer one question for me?”
When recipients clicked the client survey link (Survey Monkey), a single question appeared with a blank field below it: “When you think of me and our working relationship, what are the five adjectives that first come to mind?”
The feedback I received was consistent and encouraging. But it wasn’t exactly what I expected and it challenged my assumptions. Valuable? Yes, indeed.
I’ve now incorporated what those clients told me they experience when working with me into my sales and marketing communications. For example, my new website is focused on the benefits of highly personalized business mentoring based on many years of direct experience as a self-employed solo.
My point? If you want to understand the reality of your brand, then don’t assume anything. Ask your clients for their feedback. I think you’ll find it’s an eye opening experience.
Let’s face it, nothing is more important to the success of your business than acquiring the right clients and growing your revenue. My guest on the podcast today, Ian Altman, helps self-employed professionals to become outrageously successful targeting and winning new business.