rebuilding burned bridges
a letter about rebuilding bridges with your clients that have been cracked + almost burned. Funke Bucknor-Obruthe inspired this one as she shares a story that's proof that relationships can be mended.
Dear You,
I had a conversation recently with Funke Bucknor-Obruthe [FBO], the CEO of Zapphire Events. We discussed hurt clients and how to unfurl the hurt and rebuild a strong relationship with them. It was so relatable. Every business has someone who has been hurt and felt dissatisfied with the results of their work, including me. However, it is possible to rebuild that relationship, get them to refer you for more jobs, and strengthen that relationship.
Always remember that even if it's a business relationship, it is a relationship. And like every relationship, when one party is hurt, take responsibility, apologise, send gifts, and take steps to fix it if you are given another shot. Treat your clients with love, and try not to burn bridges if you can avoid it. Ask yourself - is this going south because of ego? How can I change the tone or skew the conversation in a positive direction? Do I value the relationship enough to save it? Is it worth saving?
FBO shared some key insights with practical examples of how she mended and built a bridge with one of her clients after the relationship went sour. Watch the video below and share your thoughts or what you learned in the comment section. That's really where the juice of this letter will be—the comments! And it'll only be juicy because of you and your learnings. Let's go!
Always remember that:
sometimes the bridge is not burned; it's just cracked, but our actions can either mend it or burn it to ashes. Most times, choose the action that mends and rebuilds the bridge.
With Love,
Blessing Abeng