Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast! Today we had a fun conversation with Melissa Watson, Just one of the coolest people I know! A while back she spoke at an event I attended and I loved her strategic follow-up methods and how she fosters client relationships. I knew right then that I wanted to get her on the show to share her thoughts and ideas around networking, relationship-building, and authentic engagement. Melissa has a rich and diverse background, ranging from over 16 years in education to her recent role as a business development and project manager. Despite being relatively new to sales, Melissa has already mastered crucial techniques that many take years to learn. Our discussion flowed from the importance of long-term client strategies to leveraging personal interactions for business growth. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: The Power of Patience in Client Engagement: Melissa and I both highlighted the importance of maintaining long-term relationships without the pressure of immediate business returns. It's about consistency and genuine connection.Focused Personalization: Small personalized gestures like remembering clients' children's names can significantly build rapport and trust over time. This kind of attention to detail sets you apart in a crowded market.Balancing Structure and Flexibility: Melissa stressed the need to adapt sales techniques to one's personality rather than rigidly following scripts. This flexibility leads to more authentic and effective client interactions.Learning from Feedback: Whether it’s positive or negative, client feedback is invaluable. We discussed how seeking out this feedback can lead to substantial improvements and better understanding of client needs.Using Digital Tools Effectively: From digital business cards to Zoom calls, we explored how utilizing modern tools can enhance client interactions and maintain relationships despite geographical limitations. Be sure to connect with Melissa on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissawatson24/. (Don’t forget to let her know you heard her on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast!) ------------------- If you're curious about how I can help you turn casual connections into loyal clients, check out the free training at https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/.