Sixth Sense Operations’ Post

One of the most important aspects of business in my eyes, is the relationship you build with your clients. Building strong relationships with your clients isn't just about courtesy - it's a strategic advantage! 💪 Here's why👇 : ✅ Communication Powerhouse: Clear and consistent communication is the cornerstone of any successful project. When you have a strong relationship, information flows freely, leading to fewer misunderstandings and a smoother workflow ✅ Client Confidence Booster: Regular check-ins and keeping them in the loop builds trust and confidence in your expertise. They'll feel like valued partners, not just someone paying the bills ✅ Collaboration Nirvana: A strong relationship fosters a collaborative atmosphere where ideas flow freely. You'll be able to bounce ideas off each other, leading to more creative and effective solutions ✅ Feedback Loop: Strong relationships make it easier to receive constructive feedback. Clients are more comfortable sharing honest critiques, which helps you continuously improve and refine your approach ✅ Beyond the Project: Happy clients become loyal clients. They're more likely to recommend you to others and come back for future projects, creating a sustainable client base Investing in client relationships isn't just the right thing to do, it's a smart business move. How do you nurture strong client relationships? Share your tips in the comments I'd love to hear them! #clientrelationships #communication #collaboration #trust #success #businesstips

Have you ever wondered how to approach relationships with clients? 🤝 After all, a client is just as much a person as we are, and relationships with them can be similar to those we have with others in our lives – with some, they’ll be closer, while with others, more formal. The answer to the question of whether a client can be a friend is… “it depends.” 🤷♀️ And although I personally dislike this answer, in human relationships, it’s hard to establish clear rules. Much depends on the person, the situation, and the nature of the collaboration. It’s important not to confuse professionalism with formality. Working on a first-name basis can be just as professional as addressing each other more formally. Suggesting a less formal tone can often help create a more relaxed but still business-oriented atmosphere, saving unnecessary distance. 😊 I know managers who, with a sense of tact, weave in interesting anecdotes from their personal lives, creating closer bonds with their clients – and I think it’s a great approach when done with care and balance. 🎯 There are also leaders who prefer more factual, formal conversations, keeping private matters at bay, but still maintaining warmth and respect. 💼 What’s your approach to building client relationships? Do you think a client can be a friend? 🤔 #relationships #business #clients #collaboration #communication

Let’s talk about the elephant 🐘… well someone has to!! 🤷♀️ What happens when communication with you and your business partner breaks down? You know… the icy silences 🥶during meetings, passive-aggressive messages in Slack, eye rolling at any idea that comes out their mouth. And then the “I thought you were handling it” sarcastic comments that screams TROUBLE and that you aren’t in tune with each other… AT ALL! If this sounds familiar, don’t panic! It is possible to bring the relationship back home with a little effort (and maybe a bit of humility and an apology or two😜). So here are 4 tips to help you get back on track: 👉🏻Acknowledge you have a problem. 🤨 You can’t fix your relationship unless you face the fact that it’s broken! 👉🏻Schedule a “Clearing the Air” Meeting 📆 
Sometimes, all it takes is one honest but respectful conversation to reset. However don’t play the blame game, engage in verbal ping pong or finger-pointing. Instead give each other the opportunity to share how you feel and what you need moving forward. Pro tip: Choose a neutral space like a coffee shop or go for a drink and if things start to get heated, agree to bring in a mediator or 3rd party. Another set of objective eyes and ears is always helpful. 👀 👉🏻Set Communication Rules 📝
Once you’ve broken the ice and worked through your differences, you need to focus on rebuilding your relationship. Discuss new and healthier ways to communicate, particularly if you sense a problem is brewing. For example, weekly check-ins and decision-making protocols. Establishing these upfront avoids miscommunication and those “but I thought you knew” moments. 👉🏻Revisit Your Shared Goals 🎯
When you focus on the bigger picture (like your shared vision for the business), petty disagreements take a back seat. Remind each other why you started this partnership in the first place and what you’re working to achieve together. Don’t let silence, sulking or a silly miscommunication ruin something you’ve worked so hard to build. Have you ever seen a partnership go off the rails because of bad communication? Share your thoughts below! 👇 ************************************** Hi, I’m Nicole, 👋an Alignment, Relationship and Conflict Expert supporting co-founders and business partners build a thriving and harmonious working relationship. 👀 Follow me! 🔗 Connect for more cofounder conflict and communication content! 🔔Hit my bell to receive new post alerts! 🌎Visit my website: www.nicoleposner.com

This article is a great reminder of how to handle tough conversations!

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET MISINTERPRETED AND YOU DO NOT EVEN KNOW IT? We would take issue with George Bernard Shaw’s assertion that “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”. Communication always happens; the real issue is whether the message received is the one you intended to send. In one of our recent workshops on client communication, role-playing helped participants become more aware of the often unnoticed miscommunication that can happen in meetings. Observing themselves in action, the team realised how easily they could misunderstand each other and what’s worse - it could go almost unnoticed.  For example, the team role-playing consultants mentioned that they wouldn’t even want to work with the kind of clients they encountered in the exercise. This surprised those playing the clients for two main reasons: 1/ They assumed they held all the power, believing that having the budget meant any consultancy would be eager to work with them. 2/ They were oblivious to behaving like assholes. At the same time, the consultants' team also brought a problematic attitude to the table - a sort of servility and a desire to win the business at almost any cost. The real goal of these meetings should be mutual understanding and getting on the same wavelength. This leads to constructive conversations and, ultimately, better business outcomes. Developing the skills to guide such discussions takes effort and a shift in mindset, but the results are worth it—it drives business forward. #stopsellingstarthelping #firstmeetings #networking #newbusiness #pitching

This is interesting. As a variation, consider how often we think we have made an impression when we perhaps haven't. Research indicates we often think people whom we have met liked us, when they didn't really. Not a disaster - they usually didn’t actually dislike us; we just weren’t the hit that we imagined we had been. Instead, we exaggerated in our mind the implication of their perfectly friendly, positive behaviour. Three weeks later, they are not returning our messages and we are confused or let down. How do we check we have correctly interpreted a new relationship?   

It is always exciting when those close to you get excited for your business ideas, and even better if they want to join in (goodness knows the help would be fantastic). But, just because someone is your friend, or they have shown interest in your business – does not automatically mean they are a good business partner. And the longer you leave it to set the boundaries and expectations of the working relationship - and most importantly, how that may differ from the personal relationship - the more difficult it is to broach the subject, when it may be having a real impact on your business. Whether it is a preference for a different business strategy, going after customers that you don't feel are right for your product or service, or just not doing the tasks that they need to do - those conflicts can be heavily impacted by the messy line between personal and business. Collaboration is a fantastic way to begin any business – but factor in and talk about what would happen if you begin to go in creatively different ways at the very beginning. Set the methods of communication that will be used when you are talking as business partners and when you are talking as mates. It is way better to be open and transparent with the way the relationship will work, than think that you will somehow figure it out in the background. Because it is unlikely to calm down once things get really busy - particularly at the point where you don't have time for a break in communication.

In any business, securing a contract with a client marks a significant milestone, but it's far from the finish line—it's merely 50% of the journey. The real challenge begins after the ink has dried. A contract outlines expectations, deliverables, and obligations, but it can't capture the nuances of a dynamic business relationship. To truly make the partnership work, it's essential to invest in building a close and honest relationship with the client. This relationship goes beyond transactional interactions; it’s about establishing trust, understanding their evolving needs, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to their success. Transparency and open communication become the foundation upon which the partnership thrives. When issues arise—as they inevitably do in any business endeavor—a strong relationship ensures that challenges are met with collaboration rather than conflict. In essence, the success of any business partnership depends not just on the initial agreement, but on the continuous effort to nurture a relationship that is resilient, adaptable, and rooted in mutual respect. This approach not only fulfills the terms of the contract but also fosters long-term loyalty and opens the door to future opportunities. #TalentTalks #BusinessRelationships #ClientSuccess #PartnershipGoals #TrustAndTransparency #Collaboration #BuildingTrust #ClientEngagement #LongTermSuccess #MutualRespect #BusinessGrowth #CustomerExperience #ClientPartnership #StrategicAlliances #BusinessSuccess

Ever had a productive meeting with your American counterparts, only to be met with... silence? 🦗 If you've experienced this, you're not alone. One of the main reasons is that Americans tend to avoid saying "no" directly, as they often see it as too blunt or confrontational, and potentially hurt the relationship. This doesn’t mean you’re out of the running, but you’ll likely need to follow up more proactively to stay on their radar. Another reason could be that Americans are often juggling multiple projects at once. Your proposal might not be their top priority at the moment. Again, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re uninterested – it could just mean that other matters demand their attention. What Can You Do? 1. Take the Initiative: If you haven’t heard back after a few days, reach out yourself! Ask for an update and offer to assist with any questions or challenges. 2. Be Consistent in your communication: Don't worry about being too pushy, regular follow-ups are appreciated. Keep the tone friendly and always add value, such as sharing additional insights or information that can help them move forward. 3. Build the Relationship: Americans like to do business with people they trust. Continue to invest in the relationship by engaging in informal conversations and showing interest in their work and challenges. This will help keep you top of mind. 4. Stay Flexible: Sometimes, Americans may just need more time to make decisions. Be patient, remind them how you can contribute to their success, and make it clear that you’re ready to move forward when they are. In Conclusion: Stay on their radar! Understanding cultural nuances can make all the difference in communication and collaboration. What is your experience with following up on successful meetings?

📝 Why Details Matter in Communication and Business 🌟 The importance of details cannot be overstated. Whether you’re communicating with your team, giving instructions, or crafting a business deal, the specifics are what truly drive success. Here’s why: 🔴 Clarity and Precision:    - Clear communication leaves no room for misunderstandings. When instructions or expectations are detailed, everyone knows exactly what’s required, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring tasks are completed correctly the first time. 🔴 Building Trust    - When negotiating a business deal, the attention to detail fosters trust between parties, as it demonstrates professionalism and dedication. 🔴 Efficiency and Productivity:    - Detailed instructions streamline processes. When everyone is on the same page, work flows more smoothly, saving time and resources. 🔴 Avoiding Costly Mistakes:    - Overlooking small details can lead to significant problems down the line. In business, even minor oversights can result in financial losses, legal issues, or damaged relationships. 🔴 Strengthening Relationships:    - Whether with clients, partners, or employees, detailed communication shows that you value the relationship enough to be precise. ❓ How do you ensure that details are never overlooked in your work? #BusinessSuccess #Communication #AttentionToDetail #Professionalism #Leadership #TrustBuilding 🎥 All rights and credits are reserved to respective owners