It's been said a lot that you can't find compromise and earn respect in the world. If you are new to being a freelancer, this is very untrue. People need what you are offering them. If they get something they don't want, they will come back for more, even if it means disrespecting you. Find other things to offer that will gain your clients and employees respect.
You might have heard the saying, "No gain, no pain, No gain." This is good advice because it is very true. In order to have long-term success as an entrepreneur, you need to be able to strike a deal with those you have a conflict with and get compromises made. Showing concern and compassion for your clients, employees, and other business partners will help you earn respect from them and show them that you are in it to help them as well.
When clients are happy with the services you are providing them, they will tell their friends, co-workers, and family about you. The more positive feedback you receive from your customers, the more likely your clients will think highly of you. When you show them you are willing to make sacrifices, they will see that you are a person who cares about their needs and not just another business owner looking to capitalize on their misfortune. Showing clients you truly care about them is the best way to gain respect from them. They will appreciate this and think much better of you as a result.
When working with clients, always ask for feedback and give it freely. Doing so shows respect for your clients' time and their feelings. People will often feel free to tell their story when you offer them something free. However, if you ask for their feedback but only receive blank stares, this doesn't show respect for their time or their feelings.
You will also find it helpful to offer free consultations. You will never know what your clients have been going through before. Many times clients don't even know what the problem is so offering a free consultation can be a great way to find out exactly what they need to work on. However, you should only offer this service if they have given you their permission. If they haven't, you should reconsider your offer.
There are times when you will need to state your clients' interests forcefully. This can be done when a client contacts you directly and says something that might be offensive to you. You can't let this slide because your reputation is on the line. When you don't defend yourself or defend your clients' rights, you will lose any respect you previously had for them. When clients feel disrespect, they will go to someone else who will.
As you earn respect from your clients, you will find that your interactions with them become much more comfortable. You will develop better communication skills as well as be able to help them in areas where they struggle. You might also find that your clients start doing more of the things you are already doing. For example, if you are the receptionist at a law firm and you constantly hear clients complain about being overburdened, you might think about taking a client workshop or finding ways to make the office less stressful for them.
Your clients' respect for you will grow. They will come to depend on you more and you will have more access to their business. Because of this, you will be able to earn more respect from your clients. You will also be able to handle the new stressors they will face because of their business relationships with other people. By deciding to learn how to compromise and earn respect by respecting others, you can help build a better working relationship between you and your clients.
