Justin Ahrens

We are often tempted to take on more when business development is hitting its stride. As an owner, leader, or manager, this is the moment to care for your team and clients. Ask the often daunting question about timing and see if you can adjust your project list to serve multiple clients well while nurturing a pipeline of work to stay busy. I have found that, more often than not, extending a project timeline by a week to a few months works out. This often leads to deeper, more respectful conversations with clients and allows for pre-work to start, ensuring you hit the ground running when the project officially begins. Evaluate your internal sales and client nurturing processes and develop steps to manage times of both low and high workload.

Collaboration is key here. By involving your client's team, you can ensure that the tools you explore align with their specific goals, workflows, and company culture. They can provide valuable insights into what has worked well for them in the past and where they see the most potential for improvement. Together, research and evaluate various options, focusing on technologies that address the identified pain points and offer scalable, user-friendly solutions. Remember, the goal is to find tools that enhance your client's brand strategy and drive long-term success. By working hand-in-hand with their team, you can select technologies that truly make a difference and exceed their expectations.

Often, technology is suggested as a quick fix without understanding the underlying issues. It's like putting a bandaid on a broken bone – it might cover the problem, but won't address the root cause. That's why it's crucial to reassess your clients processes and strategies before bringing in new tech. Are there inefficiencies in their internal workflows? Could their team benefit from clearer communication or a more streamlined approach? By taking a 360-degree view of your clients brand needs, you can identify areas where technology can truly make a difference. This allows you to make strategic decisions that align with their objectives and customer expectations, rather than just following fads.

Managing multiple brand strategy clients starts with active listening and strong guardrails. Really seek to understand each client's unique needs, goals, and challenges. This lays the foundation for strong partnerships. From there, follow your proven process for success. Having a clear, structured approach keeps projects on track and ensures consistent quality. That said, be willing to adapt when needed – a bit of flexibility goes a long way. Throughout the journey, prioritize clear communication. Keep clients informed about progress, timelines, and any changes in scope. This transparency builds trust and alignment.

Determine your working hours and communicate them to your clients upfront. Let them know when you're available for meetings and when you'll be focusing on their projects. This prevents last-minute requests that can throw off your schedule and allows you to allocate dedicated time for each client's needs. It also sets expectations and helps clients respect your time. Alongside boundaries, prioritize transparent communication. Keep clients updated on progress, timelines, and any potential roadblocks. If you need to adjust a deadline, let them know ASAP. Clients appreciate honesty. It shows that you value their time and are committed to delivering results. Plus, it builds trust and stronger long-term relationships.

I think this all starts with knowing your capacity and communicating It. Managing multiple brand strategy clients begins with being realistic about your bandwidth. Be honest about how much time you can dedicate to each client, as some projects (and clients) will require more attention. Have candid conversations with your clients about timelines & set expectations early. I've found that clients appreciate transparency. They'd rather know in advance if a project will take longer than be surprised by delays later. Plus, it shows that you're focused on delivering quality work, not just churning through tasks.