8 Speaking with clients

 

This chapter covers

  • Best practices for understanding client needs
  • Using active listening for client communication
  • Differentiating between client wants and needs
  • Establishing client trust
  • Staying calm and diplomatic with clients
  • Handling difficult clients

As a lead developer, you’ve likely spent countless hours perfecting your technical skills and deepening your understanding of programming languages. However, as you advance in your career and take on more responsibilities, you may face a new challenge: learning how to speak to clients.

Speaking to clients can be daunting, even for the most experienced developers. It requires a different set of skills than programming, and you’ll need time and practice to become comfortable with it. But the benefits of being able to communicate effectively with clients are numerous: you can build stronger relationships, improve your understanding of clients’ needs, and ultimately deliver better solutions.

8.1 Understanding your clients’ needs

8.1.1 Using active listening

8.1.2 Asking insightful questions

8.1.3 Interviewing the end user

8.2 Suggesting technical approaches

8.2.1 Understanding wants vs. needs

8.2.2 Considering the budget

8.2.3 Presenting your case

8.3 Forming relationships with clients

8.3.1 Establishing trust with clients

8.3.2 Getting to know your clients

8.3.3 Remaining diplomatic

8.4 Dealing with difficult clients

8.4.1 Staying calm

8.4.2 Letting them talk

8.4.3 Remaining engaged

8.5 Case study

8.5.1 How do you establish trust with your clients?

8.5.2 How do you handle clients who request features that are out of scope?

8.5.3 What makes a successful presentation to outline your technical approach?

8.5.4 How have you dealt with difficult clients?

Summary