Client, Client, Client, what is the meaning of the client?

Based on the Oxford Dictionary, a Client is a person who uses the services or advice of a professional person or organization. Clients are always related to a Business to Business (B2B) Company such as Marketing Agency, Law Firm, and etc. The client is one of the important parts in B2B companies because they are the main resource for this company.

 

As an important part of a B2B company, having good relations with a client is crucial. In this article, we will explain more about how to engage with your clients? In general, engagement refers to the process of “Creating deep connections with clients that drive decisions, interaction, and participation, over time.” (Forrester’s Research, 2008).

 

According to Bowlby (1988), engaging clients from the introductory session and sustaining the interest all along is essential for:

●     Creating a safe environment for the client where he can express fearlessly.

●     Exploring past achievements and failures that may be the source of current problems.

●     Evaluating the pattern of attachment that the client has with other people in his life.

●     Understanding how past relationships might be associated with his present condition.

●     Modifying thoughts, perceptions, and actions to build positive relationships with his internal and external worlds.

The Client Engagement (C.E.) model states that there are two stages of engaging a client into a process:

1. The Onboarding Stage – Which is all about creating a healthy working relationship that would encourage him to participate actively.
2. The Maintenance Stage – Which explores how to keep the client motivated and mindful throughout the sessions right from the beginning.

Each part of C.E is essential, the C.E model below will show to you how a basic intervention plan can build active cooperation in treatment:

 

 

Sources: https://positivepsychology.com/client-engagement/

 

 

On the journal of Consulting Psychology mentioned that sustaining clients’ focus in the counseling sessions require:

●     Continuous focus on building a strong alliance.

●     Unconditional acceptance and zero judgment.

●     Being empathetic at all times.

●     Clear communication and active listening.

The fundamental of client engagement is trust and confidentiality. When an individual realizes that he is safe to share his feelings without being judged, he will naturally feel more inclined to participate actively.