Becoming a trusted advisor fundamentally changes how you approach client relationships. Your professional practice’s clients, suppliers, partners and colleagues consistently respond favorably to trusted advisors, because of the desire to reciprocate value, respect, and relationships that run deep in all of us.
A few of the absolute benefits of building a trusted advisor position are:
- Increasing confidence and leadership capabilities.
- Significantly improving your client relationships.
- Instilling a long-term, sustainable framework for building trust that translates into bottom-line results
How do you know when you have achieved this position?
Here are five signs you have become a trusted advisor to your clients:
- Your client reaches out to you for advice. If your client asks for advice (both inside and outside of your specific area of expertise), that is the first sign that they see you as a trusted advisor and are willing to follow your advice.
- Your client shares confidential info with you. If your client shares with you confidential information about his business or company, their needs and problems etc., and other confidential and private information, there is no doubt they consider you part of their team.
- Your client involves you with their key decisions. If your client invites you to attend key planning meetings and asks for your thoughts regarding, strategies, key decisions etc. they truly appreciate you and the value you bring to their business.
- Your client sees you as part of their success. If your client informs you early on upcoming projects based on your prior knowledge of their business and rarely faces external competition or pricing discussions, they trust you and consider you a valuable part of their success.
- Your client gives you special privileges. If your client provides you with special privileges, e.g. access to their email; office space etc., your relationship and status as a trusted advisor is very much secure.
From a business perspective, the benefits of being a trusted advisor are clear: If you are the go-to contact for a client with a business-related problem or opportunity to discuss, you are in the perfect spot to better understand the client’s position and better results for you and your client.
What action do you take to maintain your trusted advisor position with your clients?
If you’re ready to learn more proven practical strategies to help you build and maintain your trusted advisor position, check out this Live Q&A Replay in our SWITCH membership now!
