Meredith LeJeune Talks Tips For Smooth Business Transition Based On Personal Experience
By Meredith LeJeune
Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, managing client expectations and interaction is vital to the success of your business. Some businesses rely heavily on the face-to-face interaction with their clients, while others who operate remotely, don’t have that as a high concern. However you operate your business and engage your clients, relocation will undoubtedly introduce a few hiccups along the way. Here are tips to help you ease that transition.
Tip 1
Communicate Your Relocation Early
When making a major transition, upfront communication is always key. Your clients deserve to know your next move, as they will need to prepare as well. Give yourself at least three months to communicate your next steps to clients. Depending on your relationship with them, that could include a face-to-face meeting, one-on-one call, handwritten written notes, email messages or social media content. You could also include a brief line in your email signature as a reminder.
Tip 2
Create and Share a FAQ Document
Consider sharing a FAQ document to answer any questions that might come up on a recurring basis and to calm clients’ nerves or identify a point of contact to manage client calls and/or concerns. Be sure to change your address online as well, whether that be your website, social media profiles or Google business page. It is something that is easily overlooked, but can have significant impact on the business.
Tip 3
Business as Usual
Despite moving, your clients need to be reassured that you are still accessible to them. If you run a remote business, make it a priority to communicate to your clients that response time – whether it be email or phone – may be a bit slow while you transition. If you operate a physical location, compact your move as much as possible. Shutting down business for an extensive amount of time may not be feasible, however; closing doors for a day might be easier to handle.
Tip 4
Hanging Up Your Shingle
Making your presence known in your new location can actually be done before you get settled in. Use LinkedIn to introduce yourself to businesses and prospective clients in the surrounding area. Use the tool to set up coffee meetings, prospect calls and new business pitches. Once you’ve gotten settled, take advantage of networking and community events where your expertise can come in handy. A great place to start would be your chamber of commerce or events hosted by your local business journal.
Consider hosting events at your new space, including workshops, mixers or seminars. Utilize social media to give virtual tours of your new space, new hires or grand openings. Social media is also a great tool to use to make additional digital connections with prospective clients and businesses in your area.
Meredith LeJeune is owner of Thought Bubble Communications
LinkedIn: in/MeredithLeJeune
Instagram: @ThoughtBubbleComm