Why Setting Client Expectations is Imperative to a Successful Business

You’re leaving money and reputation points on the table if you don’t let your potential clients know when they can expect to hear from you. This is why setting client expectations is imperative to running a successful business. Not just a successful photography business. ANY kind of successful business.

Let me tell you a quick story, because I know that this has happened to others, and I want to be sure you’re not making this same mistake.

My mom’s aged dog was on his last leg. We knew he was going downhill but he’s been in our family for years, and I thought it would be a great idea to get some last photos of him for my mom and honestly for me too.

He was my little work buddy and we spent a lot of time together. Let’s just say, I wanted those photos.

I reached out to a local photographer that I really admire and I love their work, but I have YET to hear back from them. It’s been weeks y’all. Needless to say, we’ve since lost our family friend and it happened quicker than we expected so we never did get those photos.

But the real tragedy here is that this photographer set absolutely no expectations and has still not reached back out. Don’t do this!

Listen in to learn more about why you have to set client expectations from the start, no matter if you’re able to help them or not! Clients and customers understand when life happens. They don’t understand simply being ignored.

“I don’t have time to track down people I want to give money to.” Jenn Bays

In This Episode:

[00:43] Hey, friends, thanks for joining me today!

[02:17] I’m talking about why it’s important to set client expectations.

[04:09] If you know you are going to be delayed in getting back to people, let them know.

[06:46] I wanted to set an appointment for a photo shoot with my mom and her senior dog, but I never got a response from the photographer I inquired with.

[09:34] I love that particular photographer’s work, but I probably won’t ever reach out to her again.

[11:02] If you can’t answer an email or set an auto response, that is a problem.

[13:26] It only takes the wrong impression from a few people to ruin your reputation.

[16:17] I have had this happen and seen it happen too many times to not bring it up on an episode.

[17:33] Thank you for listening!