How To Be Memorable and Likable in Business

Freelancing has become a popular career choice, especially in today's economy. However, as a freelancer, standing out from the crowd can be challenging. While technical skills and expertise are crucial, the ability to build strong relationships with clients is equally important. In this blog post, I will explore ten strategies for being more memorable and likable.

1: Know who you are

Before you start freelancing, take the time to define your identity: Define your values, goals, and priorities, as well as your unique strengths and talents. Understanding yourself will help you communicate your value to clients and build trust.

When I first started freelancing I did not know what would be expected of me to be successful. It wasn't until I completed my first job that I realized being great at what you do is key but so are the intangible skills that you offer.

For me, the intangible skills included being responsive and a good communicator about the project. Those two qualities are key to my identity. I impressed my client with the work I provided but the client said what earned me repeat business was how I communicated and how responsive I was. Staying true to myself earned me feedback from the client that they loved the value I provided on top of the work product.

2: Showcase your expertise

Once during the wrap up meeting for a project, I recommended to the client that he consider an additional project with me. I shared a case study I had done with another client, and after reviewing  my recommendation, the current client ultimately said yes. Taking the initiative to showcase my expertise landed me another contract and booked more revenue. It took no more than 30 minutes to secure additional work this way.

As a freelancer, your expertise is your most valuable asset. Ensure that you're highlighting your skills and knowledge in every interaction with clients and colleagues. Share case studies, testimonials, and other evidence of your success, and always be ready to demonstrate your abilities.

3: Be responsive

Being responsive to clients' needs is crucial. Respond promptly and professionally, even if you're not available to take on a project right away. Let them know you're interested, and provide a realistic timeline for when you can start. This shows dependability and reliability, which can go a long way in building strong relationships.

I keep a general rule of thumb of replying to clients within one to two business hours. This strategy has fared well over the years. On Upwork, you can see when a client is online, so I tend to reply much faster when I see that I can get the message out while the client is still logged into the site.

4: Communicate clearly

Clear communication is essential for building strong relationships with clients. Ensure that you're expressing yourself effectively and concisely, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that your clients may not understand. Listen to your clients' needs and concerns and be sure to clarify any misunderstandings.

Clear communication is especially important when developing the scope of work (SOW). I take time to gather requirements from the client so that I understand the business needs and can provide an accurate work estimate. This type of clear communication eliminates confusion and my clients are happier because they know what to expect from the beginning.

5: Provide value

Clients hire freelancers to solve a problem or meet a need. Make sure, with every client interaction, you are providing value toward that end.

What does this look like? Deliver high-quality work. Go above and beyond the scope of work to exceed your clients' expectations.

I underpromise and overdeliver on every project that I take. Plenty of things in life are about perception and I want my clients to perceive me in a positive light. This has helped me secure repeat business.

6: Be authentic

Authenticity is crucial to building trust with clients. Be honest about your abilities, limitations, and availability. Be honest in your interactions.  When you're authentic, you build a reputation for integrity and reliability, which can help you stand out from the competition.

During the pandemic, I had a conversation with a client one day that was completely authentic. We talked about the state of the world and how the pandemic was taking a toll on her personally. Our professional relationship deepened after this conversation because we’d found a common bond and began to trust each other.

7: Practice active listening

Learning how to listen will help you show up in the world authentically. I make a point to listen more than I talk when interacting with a client. Active listening involves fully engaging with clients and colleagues and showing that you're invested in their needs and concerns.

When my client and I shared our experiences and concerns about the state of the world (mentioned above), I listened to her as she spoke. I didn’t interrupt. I wasn’t silently compiling a list, while she talked, of what I was going to say in return. Once she was done sharing, I took time to summarize what I’d heard.

I practice these same skills when I talk with clients about business matters. Clients often tell me, when I do this, that they appreciate that I understood what they said and wanted. When you actively listen, you build stronger relationships and improve communication.

8: Show empathy

When you’ve become skilled at active listening, you’ll be able to show empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Showing empathy helps build deeper connections with clients and creates a positive working environment.

Empathizing with the challenges or setbacks a client is facing—as happened in the discussion I had with my client about the pandemic—also helps me solve a client’s problems better. I can step into their shoes, fully understand the situation, and come up with useful solutions.

9: Be positive

I try to be as positive as I can when speaking with a prospective client. Maintaining a positive attitude can be contagious and help build stronger relationships. It can also create a sense of comfort for a client who is struggling or feeling puzzled or defeated.

Even when facing challenges or setbacks, take a positive approach by focusing on solutions rather than problems and maintain a “can-do” attitude. A bonus: When you're positive, you're more likely to attract clients who share your positive outlook.

You can learn to be likable in business

Being memorable and likable requires a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. By honing the skills mentioned in this blog, you can build a successful and sustainable freelance business that attracts and retains clients due to your awesome reputation.

Check out my Upwork profile if you’d like support or want to learn more about what I do and how I can help you.