How to Build A Community of Clients: Best Practices for Consultants

The internet has completely changed the interactive relationship between management consulting firms and their clients. Most consulting firms in Houston find clients talk publicly on internet forums or communities about their experiences and service issues. They are like social proofs that new clients use to check reviews and past client experiences.

The social proof thing is not all bad; it's a good thing!

Such communities are a network of mindsets, wherein people share their experiences about using particular services of a brand. The bigger the group of clients, the more expertise and insight you get. 

As a company culture consultant, you can take advantage of this community for promoting your corporate culture consulting business. You can even start a community on Facebook, slack channels, and forums.

It helps your corporate culture consulting firm -

●     To grow its reputation and loyalty

●     Reduce customer service issues

●     Develop a lasting relationship between you and your clients

However, starting a community is easy but building it, requires a definitive path.

Here are some of the best practices for consultants to build a community:

1. Know your audience:

Similar to your business wherein you serve clients as per targeted segments, decide on here, who should make up your community.

2. Optimize the on-boarding:

Keep it clear and easy for people to join and once they are in, keep them engaged with automated content and emails.

3. Build your email list:

Use email marketing to get the potential client part of your community.

4. Systematize and automate engagement:

Don't leave things to chance!

Get a system in place to engage clients from new to regular and then to core members in the community.

5. Add more value:

Focus on adding value to the community; listen to your clients, serve them better, and provide great experiences.

6. Keep your selling off the community:

Don't try to sell your services; communities are for connecting with your clients.

7. Ask for their input & utilize it:

Ask the community to give some content based on their experience. Curate it and create your original content showcasing stuff like - '10 tips', 'the best way,' etc.

Conclusion:

Journey with your clients through the phase of new, regulars, and core ones. As your community grows strong, it will automatically start bringing more business to your consulting firm in Houston. To build them forward in the community, offer them incentives, rewards, and opportunities. You can also hire a full-time person to manage it as it grows bigger.