By Meara Hain
There are many skills needed to be successful in public relations. You need to be creative, flexible, resourceful, and able to manage your time. But the most important skill required is the ability to build and maintain a working relationship with your clients.
In public relations, we rely on clients to help us understand their brand. Without our clients, we would have no work. Creating a strong professional relationship with your client will help make your work better. Here are ways you can cultivate this relationship:
- Communication is key
Clear communication is a must when working with clients. Whether it’s via email, text, zoom, or face-to-face meetings, you want to let your client know that you are there for them and their company. Be professional in your communication and be readily available for any feedback, requests, or changes coming in.
- Timeliness
As a PR professional, it is important to respond to your client within your office hours as well as outside of them if it is expected with your work. Complete projects and express goals with your client so they have a clear understanding of your timeline. Make sure to add extra time between deliverables so there is time for feedback and revisions.
- Invite them into the process
Let your client be involved in the strategy and creative processes. Allow clients to express their visions as they have unique needs and inside knowledge of their product/image. Let them know that you are there to listen to their perspective of their product/image. This will then allow you to implement these brand goals in your work.
“We all want to go above and beyond for our clients but sometimes, we just do not have the time or resources to complete all of their visions.”
- Set expectations
We all want to go above and beyond for our clients, but sometimes, we just do not have the time or resources to complete all of their visions. Set expectations with your client early on in your professional relationship so you don’t disappoint them and seem unprofessional when you promise something that you are not able to complete. Expectations can also give you a starting point on what content you can create first and what you can look at in the future.
- Have fun.
Having fun may be a cheesy thing to say, but public relations can be a fun and exciting field! Although there may be stressful days, working for clients means creating new ways to promote brands. Be creative and let your client know that you are there and excited to help them show further their impact on their industry.
Check out the inspiration and resources for this blog, as well as get more information on maintaining and building client relationships with these links.