Great client engagement doesn’t just delight, it delivers significant, measurable return on investment for the company you’re contracted to and for you. As a contractor, one of the most powerful ways to engage with your employer is to build an emotional connection. Over the past 12 months, this hasn’t been the easiest of tasks as many of us have been confined to working from home. However, now’s the time to get face-to-face with your employer. Take any opportunity that presents to meet up in the office rather than relying on email and if you can’t get there in person, at least do it by Zoom. Of course, your employer probably doesn’t want to spend hours sitting across the table from you – after all they’re paying you by the hour to get the job done. So here are some other valuable ways to get that connection going: Never miss a deadline You’ve been employed to get a job done on time, on budget and to the highest quality, so don’t let your side down. Invest in technology, sub-contract if necessary and work the long hours. If anything, under promise and over deliver – in that way you’ll be asked back again and again. Ask questions Don’t turn up with the wrong result because you have misunderstood or haven’t got the full picture. Ask questions, no matter how naive they might sound; do your research; and involve others in the company who can contribute to achieving the best result. No-one works well in a silo, team work expands knowledge, and ultimately results in the best solution. Collaborate You’ve been engaged as a contractor to bring skills into the company that they’re short on so be generous with your expertise. Offer relevant knowledge and experience in appropriate forums to boost outcomes and impress your client. Be positive No-one wants a newcomer with a downer on life. Even if you’re not feeling 100%, push aside your emotional baggage and put on a brave, smiley face. Make every opportunity one in which you can impress with your attitude and contribute with your expertise. Avoid problems You’ve worked in many business environments, you’ve seen all sorts of problems emerge so don’t become one of them yourself. Carefully plan your work, be thorough when it comes to data security, confidentiality, compliance, and health and safety… and should a problem occur, respond proactively and with transparency to mitigate the risks. Help Yourself Managing life as a contractor can be complicated by multiple clients and deadlines. At the Ayers Group we’re here to help you by relieving you of administrative stress. We can assist with your contractual agreements, invoicing and compliance. We can also connect you with experts in finance, novated leasing, tax and more so that you can get on with the job of engaging with your clients and growing your wealth. Contact an expert at the Ayers Group today.