Building Client Relationships

consultants talking

How to Successfully Manage Client Expectations: 4 Tips

By MBO Partners

When working with a new client or starting a new project, it can be dangerous to assume that everything is clear and that everyone is on the same page with regard to expectations. However, when it becomes apparent that your client’s expectations don’t align with your own, both the project and your relationship can be…

Read More...
consultant with paper work

When to Transition to Independent Consulting from a Full Time Job

By MBO Partners

If you are considering quitting full-time employment for a career as an independent consultant, here are several key factors that can help you determine if (and when) this transition is right for you. 1. You are financially ready There’s no magic number needed to quit one’s job and make the leap to self-employment, but typically…

Read More...
consultant

How to Manage Work Overload as an Independent Contractor

By MBO Partners

Clients are a crucial part of your business success as an independent professional. Without clients, you would have no work, and therefore no income. Sounds like you should work with as many people as possible, right? Not so fast. There are two reasons why having too many clients can be a problem. 1. Taking on…

Read More...
networking event

How to Get the Most Out of Networking Events (In Person or Virtual)

By MBO Partners

A big part of any successful independent consultant’s business plan is networking—and that means meeting new people. Networking is a great way to grow your business, get the word out about your services, and learn from others in a similar industry or position. Connecting through professional platforms like LinkedIn is a useful way to work…

Read More...
consultants

5 Client Retention Strategies for Small Business

By MBO Partners

Growing and sustaining your business is about more than just maintaining a steady flow of work. Building strong relationships with clients and retaining the ones you work well with can lead to future work, helpful recommendations, and more time for you to work on projects you’re passionate about. It can take a lot of work…

Read More...
clients

5 Ways to Build Strong Relationships with Existing Clients

By MBO Partners

There are many reasons people choose to start their own business—the chance to bring their dream idea to life, the flexibility to have control over their own work, or to find better work-life balance. But the one thing that rings true for all independents is that clients are the foundation of your business. The equation…

Read More...
consultant with client

6 Things You Should Never Say to a Client

By MBO Partners

As an independent, you are out there on the front lines—especially when it comes to dealing with a client. Often there is no buffer between you and the person offering you the opportunity for a project. No manager, no HR, no accounting department—just two parties hashing out the details. Such close quarters can present many…

Read More...
consultants

How to Balance Your Client Roster to Deliver Your Best Work

By MBO Partners

Clients keep your independent business afloat. Without enough work from enough clients, you don’t have much of a business. But what about having too many clients? The truth is, you can have too much work from too many clients. When each client has a reasonable expectation that they are your priority, you may quickly find…

Read More...
consultant

5 Client Etiquette Rules to Follow When Working from Home

By MBO Partners

There are many factors that influence a productive home office environment. Creating a defined work space. Developing a daily routine that minimizes outside distractions. Finding ways to balance personal and work responsibilities. Experimenting with different virtual tools to find the ones that work best for your business—the list goes on. But one often overlooked and…

Read More...
consultant shaking hands

4 Ways to Create Long Term Value for Your Clients

By MBO Partners

Create long-term value for your clients by following these four steps.

Read More...