In late Summer 2021, I started a strategic planning project with a new client organization. During the initial meeting, the Executive Director and I caught up a bit. This Executive Director had previously been a Co-Executive Director for a client organization I worked with at the start of my consulting practice.
At some point during our conversation, the Executive Director shared with me what happened after I completed my project with their former organization, and how things have shifted over the years.
Mind you, the Co-Executive Directors both wrote a client testimonial for me, but it was a treat to hear how this organization was able to move forward. I still keep in touch with this organization via their newsletter and social media.
At some point, your relationships with your client organizations will come to an end.
And over the years, I’ve slowly reached out to former client organizations just to ask them how things has gone for them since the project ended.
No expectations for future work, and no expectations for referrals. I also share their events and resources in my newsletter and on social media.
This is the best way to follow up with former clients.
I don’t make it a habit of choosing projects that don’t align with my values. Because of this, I have an invested interest in what happens next for my clients. Any ahas, successes, or hiccups, and what they’ve learned along the way.
If there’s an opportunity to work with a client organization again, I recommend reflecting on the project and your engagement with them first.
But that’s not the purpose of this Ask Nicole post.
When you work with organizations who are mission and values aligned, it’s easy to become invested in what happens next. You want them to succeed while you cheer them on from the sidelines.
So check in on your former clients. How how things are going, and be genuine about it. They’ll most likely be happy to hear from you.
And if they do need your services again, that’s always a plus.
Raise Your Voice: How do you follow up with former clients? Share below in the comments section.
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