{"id":15963,"date":"2025-02-13T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/?p=15963"},"modified":"2025-02-11T14:45:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T14:45:47","slug":"building-stronger-client-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/building-stronger-client-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"5 steps for building stronger client relationships in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t5 steps for building stronger client relationships in 2025\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-02-13T10:00:00+00:00\">13 February, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"5 steps for building stronger client relationships in 2025\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/building-stronger-client-relationships\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/author\/ashleyhindsmansage\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/02\/Ashley-Thompson-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Ashley Thompson\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/02\/Ashley-Thompson-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/02\/Ashley-Thompson.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Ashley Thompson<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Is your workload holding you back from building better client relationships? Worryingly, more than half (51%) of accountants agree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We surveyed 1,000 accountants and bookkeepers across six countries for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/the-practice-of-now-accountants-good-to-great\/\">Practice of Now report<\/a>, a deep dive into what today\u2019s professionals are feeling and facing, and how they plan to navigate the immediate future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our research shows a growing appetite among accountants to add more value through closer client relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The report also reveals this appetite has gone unsatisfied for many in the accounting industry, and the disconnect is concerning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2 in 5 accountants spend less than 10% of their time on client management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only 21% describe their work as human or personal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps most alarming, only 50% of accountants said they feel successful in their roles, and fewer than half feel impactful or valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, investing in stronger client relationships will be the defining activity that sets your firm apart from other accountants and bookkeepers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So now is the right time to get started and adjust your business priorities to align with your passion\u2014connecting with clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we highlight five steps to pivot your firm\u2019s strategy in 2025 to nurture deeper, more connected client relationships and more career satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what we cover:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-1-free-up-time-to-focus-on-clients\" data-level=\"2\">1. Free up time to focus on clients<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-deep-dive-into-your-clients-businesses\" data-level=\"2\">2. Deep dive into your clients&rsquo; businesses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-develop-a-personalised-service-plan\" data-level=\"2\">3. Develop a personalised service plan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-review-and-monitor-client-plans-regularly\" data-level=\"2\">4. Review and monitor client plans regularly<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-gather-feedback-to-refine-your-approach\" data-level=\"2\">5. Gather feedback to refine your approach<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2025-is-your-year-to-deepen-client-relationships\" data-level=\"2\">2025 is your year to deepen client relationships<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-2a5dbb4f-c6bd-45cc-ad96-ef4e55a29eb6\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-2a5dbb4f-c6bd-45cc-ad96-ef4e55a29eb6\"\n\t>Download your free copy of the Practice of Now 2024-2025<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-free-up-time-to-focus-on-clients\">1. Free up time to focus on clients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step to nurturing client relationships is reclaiming your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/the-practice-of-now-accountants-good-to-great\/\">Practice of Now report<\/a> shows that 92% of accountants feel they spend too much time on manual tasks. They understand that as the industry and client expectations change, how they support their clients also needs to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Repetitive tasks involved in processes such as payroll, bank reconciliations, data entry and financial reporting are cutting into the time that could be spent offering the detailed advice and support clients now expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firms looking to future-proof their practices are integrating automation into their workflows. By embracing automation, you can offload most of the manual work and improve accuracy and efficiency. You can also improve the client experience you deliver as you reduce errors and inconsistencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Freeing up time then creates space for more impactful work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With fewer administrative burdens, you can dedicate yourself to better understanding client needs, solving their challenges, and becoming a trusted advisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-deep-dive-into-your-clients-businesses\">2. Deep dive into your clients\u2019 businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What do you know about your clients? How they work day-to-day? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What drives them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making the pivot to a client-focused practice model means getting to know each client\u2019s business inside and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by profiling your clients to understand and document their goals, pain points, and challenges specific to their industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take it a step further by spending time with them in their environment\u2014a day-in-the-life approach can uncover valuable insights into their operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By immersing yourself in their world, you can identify opportunities to add value, whether it\u2019s improving cash flow management, planning for growth, or offering a tailored financial strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-develop-a-personalised-service-plan\">3. Develop a personalised service plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s dynamic business landscape where trust and personalised service are key, one-size-fits-all solutions don\u2019t work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve created a profile for each client, build service plans that tailor your services to each client\u2019s unique needs and aspirations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by mapping out what services they currently use and identifying gaps where you can provide additional value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a client may benefit from tax planning, advisory services, or advanced financial analytics but hasn\u2019t taken advantage of them yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a personalised service plan is an opportunity to connect with your client\u2019s business on a more valuable level as it highlights how your offerings can support their goals now and in their business\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you craft these plans, consider tools where you can leverage automation and analytics to make your services both scalable and impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-2a5dbb4f-c6bd-45cc-ad96-ef4e55a29eb6\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-2a5dbb4f-c6bd-45cc-ad96-ef4e55a29eb6\"\n\t>Download your free copy of the Practice of Now 2024-2025<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-review-and-monitor-client-plans-regularly\">4. Review and monitor client plans regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses evolve, and so should your client strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schedule regular check-ins with your client to review the progress of your service plan and make adjustments as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Set key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success. These could include financial metrics such as cash flow improvements or client satisfaction ratings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular reviews keep your plans relevant, demonstrate your commitment to your client and the growth of their business, and give you more opportunities to build upon your value to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-gather-feedback-to-refine-your-approach\">5. Gather feedback to refine your approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Client feedback is one of the most powerful tools for improvement. Ask your clients direct questions, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are we meeting your expectations?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What could we do better?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are there services or insights you wish we could provide?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this feedback to refine your offerings, strengthen trust, and create an open dialogue with your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clients who feel heard and valued are more likely to stay loyal and recommend your services to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2025-is-your-year-to-deepen-client-relationships\">2025 is your year to deepen client relationships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most accountants are optimistic about the future, with 96% excited about evolving their roles and 85% wishing they had more opportunities to connect with clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So now\u2019s the time to get closer to your clients and become the advisor they can\u2019t do without.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clients now expect more than just number crunching\u2014they want a partner who can integrate impactful financial expertise into their business strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A client-centred strategy allows you to take control of your firm\u2019s future and do even more of what you love by doing less of what slows you down through automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you find tasks that can be automated, you\u2019ll free up your time to offer the advisory services your clients want and expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can become their one-stop solution for financial strategy, deliver exceptional value, and build lasting relationships as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">The Practice of Now 2024-2025<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Get your copy of this global insights report into the accounting and bookkeeping profession. It explores how accountants and bookkeepers are feeling, challenges they\u2019re facing, and how they plan to thrive in the future.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-2a5dbb4f-c6bd-45cc-ad96-ef4e55a29eb6\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download the free report<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1214\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2024\/11\/Woman-working-on-financial-reporting-1214x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Woman working on financial reporting\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2024\/11\/Woman-working-on-financial-reporting-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join 1.5 million subscribers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-53abbdcc-410c-4c8c-bf97-ca5c6982eebd\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/z.5E3A0481_All-Uses.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/z.5E3A0481_All-Uses.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how to pivot your firm&#8217;s strategy in 2025 to nurture deeper, more connected client relationships and more career satisfaction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":281,"featured_media":15651,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[163],"tags":[],"business_type":[],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[],"coauthors":[392],"class_list":["post-15963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ie","author_name":"Ashley Thompson","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0299.jpg","imagine_tags":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice 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