VISITING YOUR CLIENTS

It doesn’t matter how well you know your client, you have to make sure that your conduct is utterly professional at all times when you visit them. Here are some useful rules.

	Always make an appointment in advance—never arrive unannounced at your client’s office or business.
	Make sure that you have all relevant documentation with you.
	You simply must be on time. Make every effort in this regard.
	Write down the name of the receptionist so that you can use it next time.
	Switch your cell phone off. You cannot under any circumstances receive or make calls in the company of your client, unless it is for their benefit and with their approval.
	Do not smoke, unless your client is a smoker and you are in a designated area. If your client is smoking, you can ask for permission to light up too.
	Make sure that you have done what you promised to do or what is expected of you. Do not make excuses or give outlandish reasons why something has not been done.
	Look and behave your best. Don’t be loud or aggressive.
	Never lie to anyone about anything. Your organisation’s image will be tarnished and the client will have the right to take serious steps against you. If this happens you may even lose your job.
	Deal with your meeting professionally and do not overstay your welcome.
	If your client seems to be in a hurry, politely refuse any offer of a drink since this is likely to delay your departure, and thus delay your client.
	Do not wander through your client’s organisation hoping to meet more people. This is unprofessional and will be viewed with suspicion.
	If you want to meet more people in your contact’s organisation, ask them whether they would be willing introduce you, or whether it would be in order for you to contact other people yourself. Do not go over your client’s head.
	Diarise everything. If you do not, you may miss your next meeting, or forget to do certain tasks. It is totally unacceptable to say you forgot.
	Always thank you client for their time, and shake hands. Do not greet your client with a kiss—even if you know them well.

By Elsabé Manning

Elsabé runs accredited Professionalism in the Workplace workshops - SETQAA decision number 2075. For further information please contact her on elsabe@successfactory.co.za or 011 648 8969 or 084 371 9105