Jolene Timmons

3 Proactive Steps to Ensure Successful Client Services in 2011

Seriously, don’t blink or 2010 will be history.  There are about 25 business days left in 2010 and hundreds of important tasks to complete.   The time is now to filter through the low priority tasks and bump up the high priority tasks that support overriding goals.  What are the critical actions that will put you at the top of your game next year?  It is essential to set the wheels in motion now to make next year a smooth and successful year.  Here are 3 quick ways to chart your course:

1.    Evaluate:  What worked particularly well this year?  More importantly, what could be improved upon?  Take the time now to jot down 2 or 3 critical areas for improvement.  Is it essential to spend more time with a specific client, business group or team member?  Are there specific processes or systems that should to be evaluated to meet the current business needs?  Do you need more internal or external resources to meet current and anticipated client requirements?  What information do you need from your clients to ensure you are a strong business partner?  Take time now to quickly reflect, evaluate and prioritize.

2.    Initiate:  Fill in the gaps.  Initiate quick meetings, lunches or phone conversations with all your stakeholders.  Is there as specific hiring manager or executive who has high priority needs but is always too busy to meet?  Identify these business partners, evaluate the specific information that you need to obtain to proactively meet their 2011 business goal and be ready to assertively get the time you need to acquire the essential information.

3.    Communicate:  Do you anticipate that there are some executives who are just too busy to proactively meet?  Evaluate their communication style and tailor your message to their style.  Do they need an email with brief bullet points or will you need to pull together extensive data in a well executed PowerPoint presentation to get the information you need?  Be persistent.  Communicate the importance you’ve assigned to meeting their business needs and how critical it is to be proactive.

Additionally, make some time to communicate your appreciation by saying thank you to all the clients, colleagues, networks sources and candidates who have made 2010 a success business year.  You have over 25 days to set up your future success.  Enjoy the process!