I didn't see this question posted elsewhere on the boards...

I have read recommendations which state that speaking to clients on a weekly or even bi-monthly basis is good for building relationships but I seem to attract clients who never want to talk (just email, which is fine). A small percentage want to talk regularly instead of using email at all. These are the clients that respoind to me using Blackberrys with one sentence responses....'call me'. Although, I much prefer if they put responses in writing so I have documented evidence of the information provided.

So I am wondering, how often do you speak to your clients directly?

Regards,

Janine

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I find I talk to one of my clients every day. We chat then we work then we chat. So, I do have to stop the timer every time it turns to chat, then back on when it turns to work. I enjoy talking to her, she has become a friend to me. So, I feel like I have a lifetime client. She will send me money, even if I don't send a bill, and say stuff like, "I see you worked 15 hours over this week thank you!" I feel so blessed to have her in my life as well because she is one of the most kindest, honest, and generous people I have ever met.

But, then I also have clients who only communicate by email and I don't feel as close to them, even when we talk weekly.

I guess it really depends on if the client thinks your a dime a dozen or if you are their right hand.

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

It depends on the client. My long-term client (of over 5.5 years), I speak to him once maybe every couple of months. But then there may be a case where I'll speak to him several times in a week. Most of our communications are via email and faxes.

Another client prefers speaking over the phone and I speak with him about twice a week.

I, too, prefer to have things in writing for many reasons. First, as you mentioned, as evidence of request. Second, it's a great reminder to me on what needs attention. And lastly, it's a great way to document, if I need to, any work done.

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Vivi Gonzalez
www.VirtualBusinessPartners.com

Honestly, I never talk to my clients [on the phone] after that initial intake consultation - unless there's an emergency or they specifically request a call but then I've never really made myself available outside of email as a general rule.

I prefer it this way as my lifestyle, especially lately with a toddler in the house, just isn't conducive to business calls unless they're scheduled well in advance.

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It will always depend on your client's needs. Some like more contact than others.

Originally Posted by thompsonassistants

It will always depend on your client's needs. Some like more contact than others.

While I agree with this statement to a point I will say that I really think it depends on how effectively you're able to communicate via email and even more importantly, how you establish your own protocols for communication from the start.

As a business owner it really is up to you to set the standard. Certainly, if a client asks me for a call I'm going to set it up but I cannot imagine how much lost time I would experience if people could ring me up anytime they wanted to. So many things can be dealt with via written emails, and are better documented that way too, rather than via a phone call. Calls may seem like a quick and easy way to resolve some waiting point but it really is more an interruption than anything else [in my opinion].

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I agree, it depends upon the client and the situation. For example, my longest-term client always prefers the phone. Others prefer email as a general rule. I do think, however, that phone contact once in a while with all your clients is good for the relationship.

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Claire
CM Office Support

Like others, it depends on the client and the situation, I'd rather they all used e-mail but some projects just require more talk than others, especially if they aren't too computer literate.

Cheers!!

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant

Originally Posted by Action Jackson VA

I guess it really depends on if the client thinks your a dime a dozen or if you are their right hand.Andrea~

This is an awful statement and I apologize for that.

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

I have 2 clients that I meet with on a weekly basis...just to plot out the next week and where we think they should go...they are too wordy and stuff for email. But the rest is email and skype if there is an urgency...

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Rebecca Thompson
CLR Virtual Connection * fanTABulous fan pages