Take Time Now to Strengthen Client Relationships for 2025
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to have year-end conversations with key clients. These discussions not only help reflect on your work together in 2024 but also lay the foundation for strengthening relationships and expanding opportunities in 2025.
Originally published in The Richmond Lawyer, read on for why these conversations matter, what to cover and how these conversations will deepen your client relationships.
Start by identifying 2–5 clients to focus on. Even if you already have a good relationship with these clients, carving out time for a dedicated, off-the-clock conversation demonstrates your investment in their success. Here’s a framework to guide these meetings:
What to Cover in Your Year-End Conversations Reflect on 2024 Projects:
What went well?
What could have been done better?
Are there lessons learned or successes to build on?
Discuss the Client’s 2025 Objectives:
What are their business goals and priorities for the year ahead?
Are there challenges or opportunities on the horizon that you can help address?
Explore Ways to Be More Helpful:
How can you better support the client and their team in 2025?
Are there specific pain points where your expertise (or connections to other trusted professionals) could add value?
Why These Conversations Matter.
Clients will appreciate the chance to reflect on your shared successes and to share their vision for the future. As one of their trusted business partners, you bring a unique perspective to the table. Your experience with other clients facing similar issues can provide valuable insights, while your willingness to listen reinforces your role as a key ally.
You may even uncover opportunities to deepen your relationship, expand your scope of work, or introduce them to other professionals in your network—bankers, accountants, brokers, or others—who can help them reach their goals.
Need Help Getting Started? If you’re unsure how to approach these conversations, I’m here to help. I can provide: A sample email template to structure your request for a meeting. Key questions to guide your discussion. Reach out to me at rebecca@edwardsadvisory.com for personalized support. Taking the time to connect now will not only strengthen your client relationships but also set you up for a successful 2025.
Click here to read the article in The Richmond Lawyer.