Leeway

Leeway is a mysterious thing. You can’t measure it. You can’t put it on a checklist as have it or don’t have it. You can’t really define it in business, though dictionaries try to.

Leeway comes to you slowly, and it’s increasingly difficult to earn. But when it comes to serving long-term clients, you need it. Here are some thoughts on how to improve your leeway with clients:

1. Foster true, personal relationships with your clients.
2. Always be approachable and reachable.
3. Overcommunicate. Don’t be accused of too little, or too infrequent.
4. Show anticipation of your clients’ future needs, not just their present cares.
5. Never assume too much.
6. Beat your clients’ deadlines for finishing projects large and small.
7. Show excruciating attention to detail to benefit your clients’ businesses.
8. Focus on the client, not orders.
9. Respect your clients’ time, without giving the appearance of rushing.
10. In your heart, work from a place of providing a valuable service, not selling a valuable service.