Here are five ways creative connectors can communicate more effectively with their clients, drawing on self-connection and connection with others:
1. Lead with Empathy and Active Listening
Creating opportunities to chat face to face & experience body language will allow you to lead with empathy & active listening. Doing FB or instagram lives will help you connect more to your clients when you are explaining your processes. This fosters a deeper connection that goes beyond transactional exchanges.
2. Share Personal Stories and Vulnerability
Communicate your own experiences or struggles, especially those related to your creative journey. Sharing vulnerability builds a bridge between you and your clients, showing relatability. This also encourages clients to open up, strengthening the relationship between you. The more I shared bits of myself online, the more I felt connected to my audience. I will just say to make sure the bits you share are still in alignment with your brand pillars.
3. Create a Two-Way Dialogue with Visual and Sensory Elements
Incorporate creative, visual, or sensory communication methods—such as mood boards, storyboards, or shared Pinterest boards—to bring ideas to life. By involving clients in this process, they connect more personally to the project and the creative connector’s vision. It also helps make abstract ideas tangible. Explain to your clients how everything you do is intentional to foster connection - just because you know how it works, doesn’t mean they do. Why do you use the light that you do? Why do you use the colors you do? Why do you suggest the ingredients you use? etc.
4. Encourage Self-Reflection and Mindfulness
Before each meeting or conversation, invite clients to take a few moments of reflection. Asking questions like, "What do you hope to get out of this experience?" or "How does this project align with your personal values?" or “What intention do you want to set to help us create an experience that connects to your story?” can help the client reconnect with their intentions, fostering clearer communication and alignment.
5. Set Clear Boundaries and Mutual Expectations
Effective communication stems from clarity, which can be cultivated through shared values and mutual respect. Establishing clear boundaries and expectations early on, ensuring both sides are on the same page is paramount to connection with the client. This reduces potential misunderstandings, ensuring that both you and your clients feel heard, respected, and understood.
