Building Strong Client Partnerships: The RSTC Method

Introduction: Building Our Special Client Tower! (3 min)

Speaker Notes:

• Imagine we’re building a big, strong tower together-one that helps us become great partners with our clients.
• This tower uses the RSTC Method-four building blocks stacked on top of each other.
• Think of it like the Golden Rule: treat clients how you want to be treated.

Block 1: Respect – The Foundation (6 min)

Key Points:

• Respect is the first and most important block.
• It means caring about the client’s time, knowledge, and opinions.

How to Show Respect:

• Be on time and prepared.
• Listen carefully-don’t interrupt.
• Ask smart questions about their business.
• Be honest: if you don’t know something, say so and promise to find out.
• Keep promises, even small ones.
• Use clear, simple language-explain technical terms.
• Always be polite and professional.

Personal Example:

• I’m good at listening and waiting to respond, which helps me understand clients’ needs.

Block 2: Safety – The Other Foundation (6 min)

Key Points:

• Safety is just as important as respect.
• Clients need to feel safe and in control-they can say “no” at any time.

How to Build Safety:

• Make it clear they’re in charge-no pressure.
• Offer choices and let them decide at their own pace.
• Be transparent about costs, timelines, and next steps.
• Share information before they ask-no surprises.
• Care more about solving their problem than making a sale.
• Keep their information private.

Personal Example:

• I naturally wait for the client to lead, which makes them feel safe and respected.

Block 3: Trust – Building Higher (6 min)

Key Points:

• Trust grows when respect and safety are in place.
• Clients trust you when you’re reliable, skilled, and genuinely want to help.

How to Build Trust:

• Always do what you say you’ll do.
• Finish work on time, or communicate early if there’s a delay.
• Show your expertise through your work, not just words.
• Admit when you don’t know something.
• Communicate openly-share updates and explain your decisions.
• Handle mistakes professionally and honestly.
• Be consistent-act the same way every time.
• Put the client’s needs first, even if it means less work for you.

Personal Example:

• My gut feeling helps me know when a project is a good fit, so I only take on work I believe in.

The Top: Real Client Partnership (3 min)

Key Points:

• With respect, safety, and trust, you reach the top: a true partnership.
• Now you’re working together as a team, not just doing a job.
• You can tackle tough problems, brainstorm new ideas, and celebrate successes together.

Listening for “Ready!” Signals (3 min)

Key Points:

• Once trust grows, listen for signs the client is ready to move forward.
• Signs include questions about getting started, costs, or bringing in decision-makers.

What to Do:

• Gently check if they’re ready: “How would you like to move forward?”
• If yes, show them the next steps clearly and keep things safe and comfortable.

Handling “Not Ready” or “No” (3 min)

Key Points:

• Sometimes the answer is “no” or “not yet”-that’s okay!
• Respect their choice-never push or argue.
• If they’re willing, ask why, so you can learn.
• Stay polite and thank them for their time.
• If it’s “not yet,” ask when might be a better time to check in.

Keeping in Touch: Nurturing the Relationship (2 min)

Key Points:

• If there’s no clear yes or no, keep in touch in a helpful, friendly way (not pushy).
• Send a thank-you email after your talk.
• Share helpful articles or tips every few weeks.
• After three months, check in gently-no pressure.
• Always trust your gut about when to reach out.

Using the Right Words (1 min)

Key Points:

• Use words that show you care, listen, and let them choose.
• Avoid words that rush, pressure, or make them feel uncomfortable.

Examples:

• “Based on what you said, here’s an idea…”
• “No pressure-take your time deciding.”
• “Just wanted to update you…”

Conclusion: The RSTC Tower in Action (1 min)

Key Points:

• Building strong client partnerships is like building a tower: Respect + Safety + Trust = Partnership.
• When you use the RSTC Method, everyone wins-you, your clients, and their business.

Call to Action:

• Let’s build more towers together-one block at a time!

Q&A (Optional, last 2-3 min)

• Invite questions about any of the blocks or real-life examples.

Tips for Delivery

• Use simple visuals: draw a tower with blocks labeled “Respect,” “Safety,” “Trust,” and “Partnership.”
• Share a quick personal story for each block.
• Pause for short questions after each section.
• Keep your tone friendly and conversational.

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