As the world becomes more and more remote and people are choosing to take their workplaces abroad, it is becoming likely that you will have to conduct business with a client that you cannot meet in person. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can make business work—and a number of tools to help you do it. As conducting business abroad or across the country becomes more common, you’ll want to take your firm to the next level by researching which tools can help you the most.
1. Skype, Slack, or Google Chat
Not only should you have this in your own office to chat with your co-workers or employees, but you should have a messaging software available for clients who might need to contact you. There are a number of apps available that could work for the type of firm that you have and how available you want to be to answer any questions they might have. Skype is a good example of a way that you can easily stay in touch with your clients no matter where they are. Google Chat, Slack, and other apps are also available and offer a way for you to keep in contact.
2. Keep your documents online
Where before you would set an appointment to bring a client in and ask him or her to sign documents, new technology makes it easy to send documents, make contracts easy to sign, and to make sure clients have read the fine print. This way, they don’t feel pressured to sign immediately and they have time to look over the contract before they make the leap.
There are several kinds of programs that allow open access (or through a password) for clients, so it’s worth taking some time to find the right one for you and your firm overall.
3. Be active on social media
Being available on chat applications isn’t the only way to keep in touch with clients. Social media is another way to interact with them and let them know what is going on in your industry. Having a social media page with a solid brand can encourage new clients as well as old to check in on your firm and what you have been working on. Making sure you’re available to answer questions takes a little time, but your clients will appreciate the effort you’ve put into giving them information.
4. And your website…
Likewise, your website is a great place to connect with clients and give them information on what you are doing and the facts they need to know about your firm. A good website can make or break a new firm, where clients turn to in order to see the examples of the work that has been completed for others. It’s also a good idea to keep a running blog where clients can find any general information no matter where they are located.
You can also take your published content from your blog and make it accessible to potential clients who are still on the fence of using your service. It’s also a good way to broadcast what you do on social media.
Working with customers remotely doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, most of these marketing aspects should be part of your strategy, anyway. It might take a little time to create a professional environment where you can make sure to offer clients the information and support they need, but once you do, your firm is likely to run much more smoothly in the future.
Guest article written by: Alex Schnee.