How to Communicate Effectively With Clients Who Are Unfamiliar With Your Industry

Client communication is one of the most important aspects of running a business. Often, clients are unfamiliar with the subject of what your business deals with. For example, web designers require very specific tech-savvy details that the ‘average Joe’ might not be familiar with. If you don’t understand exactly what your clients want, the outcome will likely not satisfy them. As a result, you will be required to go back and do more work later, costing you precious time and money. This can all be avoided by being able to communicate effectively.

What does the client know?
Gather information about the client’s knowledge of your business industry first. You are not trying to find out what they want yet; all you are trying to find out is if they have sufficient knowledge about your industry. You can obtain this information through a series of indirect questions. If you work in a graphing design business, you might ask your client “Have you ever used photo manipulation software like Adobe Photoshop before?” During this process, it is important you don’t underestimate your client’s knowledge as you don’t want to insult them. Continue to ask these indirect questions until you have a good gauge of their knowledge of the subject.

Simplicity is the key.
If you are trying to explain something, use as many straight-forward examples as needed. Don’t confuse your client with technical terms they may not be familiar with. Just keep it simple. The client only wants to know what you can do for them and what it will do for them. Explaining how you are going to do it is not that important. If the client looks confused, ask them if they would like you to explain further. Making sure they understand the situation is essential.

If you follow these steps, communicating effectively should not be a problem. It will save you time and money and maximize your business efficiency.