| From Clay Dirt to Tiny, Sprouting Blades — What Grass Taught Me About Client Relationships. Some of you may know that my husband and I recently moved to North Florida to start a farm and a ministry. If you didn’t—now you do! A year and a half ago, we purchased 5 acres of land covered in pine trees, oak trees, and thick brush. Over time, my husband worked hard to clear a portion of the land so we could build a home and move in. Once the land was prepped for our house, what was once filled with beautiful trees quickly turned into plain red clay dirt—and it got very muddy when it rained. To cover the dirt, we decided to grow grass from seed instead of installing sod. And while most people think watching grass grow is the definition of boring… I found myself surprisingly excited as those tiny green blades started to appear. Please see the before-and-after photo below so you can see why I’m so thrilled. That experience reminded me of something we often overlook in business: Building client relationships is a lot like watching grass grow. It takes time, consistency, and a whole lot of patience. But the results? Worth it. So, Why Is Building Client Relationships So Important? –Trust Builds Loyalty: Clients who trust you are more likely to stick around. Strong relationships lead to long-term partnerships and steady income. –Better Communication: When clients feel comfortable with you, expectations are clearer, and projects run more smoothly. –Understanding Their Needs: The more you get to know your client, the better you can anticipate their needs—even before they mention them. –Referrals & Testimonials: Happy clients talk! A strong relationship often leads to referrals and glowing reviews. –Repeat Business: It’s easier (and more cost-effective) to keep an existing client than constantly look for new ones. –It Simply Feels Good: Working with people you genuinely enjoy turns everyday tasks into meaningful teamwork. Simple Ways to Build Strong Client Relationships Communicate Regularly -Check in often—even a quick “Just a heads-up, I’m on it” can go a long way. -Use whatever tools your client prefers—email, Slack, Teams, etc. Be Reliable -Meet deadlines or communicate early if things change. -Deliver consistent, quality work—small wins build big trust. Add Personal Touches -Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or big life moments. -A handwritten note or welcome gift adds a thoughtful touch—this is something I’m working on doing more intentionally myself! Go the Extra Mile -Share helpful tips or tools—even if they’re outside your scope. -That little bit of extra effort makes a big impression. Be a Good Listener -Listen for your client’s goals, pain points, and preferences. -Tailor your support to reflect what matters to them. Ask for Feedback -Asking for feedback shows humility and a desire to grow. -A simple “How can I better support you?” builds mutual respect. Send Monthly Updates -Share what’s been done, what’s coming up, and any wins worth celebrating. -It helps your client see your value and keeps you top of mind as a trusted partner. Relationships take time to grow—just like grass. At first, it may seem like nothing is happening. But with patience and consistent effort, you’ll build something strong and lasting. And remember: every client is different. Learning their communication style, preferences, and personality is part of what makes a great partnership. If you’d like help putting any of these ideas into action—like setting up a client onboarding experience, thank you cards, or a feedback process—I’d love to help! Let’s grow something meaningful, Maritza |
