{"id":35629,"date":"2021-08-31T12:00:24","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T16:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/honeybook.site.strattic.io\/?p=35629"},"modified":"2022-11-29T03:07:02","modified_gmt":"2022-11-29T11:07:02","slug":"build-an-effective-work-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hbbadmin.dev.reliablepenguin.com\/blog\/build-an-effective-work-relationship","title":{"rendered":"How to Build an Effective Work Relationship Through Onboarding"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The client relationship is a long journey with many stages along the way, but how you <\/span>start<\/span><\/i> the process is arguably the most important element of your working relationship. Onboarding isn\u2019t a step to be skipped or overlooked but instead embraced. A strong onboarding process allows you to set boundaries from the start, stop problems before they even begin and ensure your client understands the expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re halfway through a client project, it can be difficult to change course or ask them to do something different than planned. When everything from FAQs to communication standards is clearly defined from the very beginning, you won\u2019t spend all of your time answering questions and reiterating your agreement terms since it\u2019s all laid out on the table. Thus, a structured onboarding system that outlines working parameters from the get-go is a must. Follow these steps to ensure a healthy client relationship and peace of mind:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


<\/span>Begin the Onboarding Process Early<\/h2>\n

Onboarding begins before the contract is signed, as the inquiry and booking process is very much integral to the client lifecycle. While you may get clear on expectations and boundaries in your contract and during the welcoming stage, sales conversations offer the first opportunity for you to set your prospects straight in terms of what to expect from working with you. You cannot promise them the moon and the stars if your online contract<\/a> will explicitly contradict those claims.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro Tip:<\/b> Be consistent with your messaging from the very first inquiry to your onboarding procedures, all the way through to the end of your working relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n


<\/b>Set and Enforce Boundaries while Onboarding<\/h2>\n

Clients will always be inclined to push boundaries, even when they\u2019ve been established. Put yourself in their shoes: They might value your work, but they still want to get a good deal. They will try to get more than they paid for or claim they didn\u2019t know something wasn\u2019t included. It\u2019s just the name of the game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a structured onboarding system will provide you with something to reference whenever that time comes up. Much like your contract, you can point to specific resources or communications from the onboarding process that lay out the details about your working relationship. For example, if a client is upset that you didn\u2019t answer their phone call during a busy weekend, you could direct them to an onboarding email that outlines your office hours and preferred method of communication. At the end of the day, you are the professional and are responsible for defining the terms of your working relationship. Your clients look to you for answers, so get ahead of the curve by providing all of those answers from the very beginning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pro Tip:<\/b> If you experience any pushback, remind your clients that they chose you because they\u2019ve seen your portfolio and the results you\u2019ve given other people. Reiterate that they must use the same methods if they want the same great results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Of course, part of enforcing boundaries is by establishing measures that you may take in case a client disrespects your guidelines. Ask yourself these questions: <\/span><\/p>\n

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