A year or so ago, my friend Leo Bottary helped my students by creating a series of posts focused on learning how to provide good client service and starting on the right foot. The initial post to that series provides an overview and you’ll find more specifics on each tip below (along with some others).

1. Learn everything you can about your clients’ business. Get to know (and continue to learn) your client’s business. This comes up over & over & over. As an “outsider” you have to work extra hard.
2. Define success with your client. If you’re not sure, don’t assume. Just ask!
3. Understand your client’s motivation. Why this campaign and why now? Closely tied to #2, but a lightly different approach to the problem.
4. Listen, listen, listen!
5. Never stop bringing good ideas!
6. Be accountable & responsible. Keep accurate records and deliver what you say you will.
7. Care about results! And show that you understand what that means for your client.
8. Details make a difference.
9. Work to exceed your client’s expectations. Under-promise and over-deliver!

Some stellar lessons learned about working with clients.

Want to be a better PR professional? Some final tips from Leo.