Helpful tips on talking to clients about anything

Are design professionals known to be masters of communication? There are stereotypes of them being geeky nerdy people stuck to their devices. At times, designers are stereotyped as casually yet neatly dressed creative extroverted professionals who are sleek at communicating various things with executives, managers, and others. 

Communication is an integral part of their work. For each project they work on, they translate briefs of clients into top-notch visual executions.

But it should also be understood that even the best of communicators have struggled and faltered. They have often faced issues in the following areas where they usually get held up:

• Negotiating prices.
• Taking feedback.
• Explanations.
• Referrals and vice versa.

What tips can professionals use when asking clients for reviews?

Design professionals often do their best to complete projects nicely and on time. Once they are complete, they hand the project over to clients. The results can either irritate clients, delight them, or even thrill them. This is one of the best times for professionals to wrap up things with smart messaging to remind clients about leaving a review.

Here are some sample messages from professionals working at a well-known firm logo design in Dubai:

• It has been an immense pleasure working with you. My future clients should feel confident when approaching me for work. Please take a moment to review my work without any bias or hesitation. Thanks in advance.
• On the [Project Title], working with you has been fantastic! I would really appreciate it if you could take some time out to write a few words about how you felt about our previous collaboration. It would be quite helpful.

Professionals of logo design might hesitate in the beginning. But after a pep talk with fellow professionals in the same domain, they will start feeling more confident. They will eventually understand the process properly each time they complete a project successfully.

Tips for asking for referrals

Professionals should be referred to their client’s network. They can ask to do so when they are asking for reviews. They shouldn’t be afraid of approaching their previous clients. If they had a positive experience, they should share it with others. This helps professionals keep the circle in their sights. Here are some messages that can help them get referrals with ease:

• In case someone from your network requires a design professional, I would appreciate it if I could be kept in consideration. Do share my information and portfolio with them. Thank you!
• Greetings, Hope my message finds you in very good spirits. I am reaching out to you because I am open to new opportunities right now. I remember how brilliant it was working with you last time on three projects. If anyone in your network requires a designer, I am available and would love to hear back from you.

One thing to remember: When designers reach out to clients, they need to personalize their message and make sure it doesn’t sound generic. They should reference the work they have done with them. This can help them catch the attention of clients nicely.

Talking to clients about a missed deadline

Even the best of plans get derailed due to a multitude of factors. What should be noted here is that professionals should be able to communicate any adverse changes in plans and deadlines as soon as possible. If they are going to miss a deadline, they should notify clients as early as possible.

Whether or not it affects the logo design cost, Logo design professionals should inform clients about potential costly delays that can make them miss deadlines. In case it takes longer than expected (or more time is needed), they should inform clients right away. Here is one way of doing so:

• Good Day [Client], I am writing to let you know that the deliverable may require a few more days. A disaster has struck in my area and I am facing [Utility} outages. I am doing all I can to ensure you get the work on time. I might require a few more days to complete it. I will inform you accordingly once it is completed. Thank You.
• Hello there, I am informing you that the designs you asked for will not be delivered on time but rather on [the said date]. I am facing resource constraints that are forcing the project into delays. I might need another week to finish them. I will email them once I have finished them on the aforementioned date.

Experts recommend the following professional tips:

• Being transparent is fine. Being overly transparent can be a problem. No client needs to know everything but only the facts that are needed. They should not know about any internal matters unless and until necessary. Always let them know when they will get the design.
• Clients require a solution-oriented mindset. When professionals are on track, they should check with clients to see what is required and how it is being fulfilled.