Developing a relationship your clients

Your clients will often be embarking on the journey to becoming self-employed, and will need consistent, dependable support from you. Your own approach, and the rapport you create with your clients, are crucial to the success of community based businesses.

Community based business advice is always person-centred, holistic and empathetic. You will be offering business advice as a development tool to enable people into business. You will be helping them increase their confidence and self-esteem, supporting them through challenges and celebrating with them in their successes. It is very important for you to establish a relationship of trust and engagement, particularly with clients who are at the "pre-pre-start-up" stage of their business development.

Clients bring their whole lives when they come through the door. You may learn about all aspects of their personal lives, such as their children and family, their finances, and other history such as their immigration status. This breadth and depth of information is often essential so that you can effectively advise your clients on their journey to business success. Nevertheless, you will need to know how to set up clear professional boundaries in working with a client, so that you both know what is your responsibility and what is your client's.