We were lucky to catch up with Jenni Prisk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jenni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is your team able to work remotely? If so, how have you made it work? What, if any, have been the pitfalls? What have been the non-obvious benefits?

 

In 2019 my husband and I traveled to our native New Zealand for six months. COVID prevented us from returning to San Diego for 2+ years, and I didn’t want to lose touch with my US clients. I offered virtual training sessions which several of them accepted and appreciated. The sessions had to be revamped, and some facets weren’t possible, however, because everyone needs to learn how to better present on a virtual platform, the workshops became very successful.,

It’s amazing how much can be taught and coached over Zoom or Teams or other virtual platforms. Because I stayed in touch with my clients from across the world, I expect to reconnect with them in person, without having missed a beat of our partnership.

Jenni, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I founded Prisk Communication in 1989 in San Diego, CA. I’ve always been drawn to speech and delivery (initially through theater) and after many years as a Personal Assistant, it was time to embark on my own business as a speech, leadership and assertiveness coach and trainer. It has been very satisfying to provide these services to multiple corporations, organizations, and individuals, across the US and internationally. When a company has diffident communicators they risk losing important contracts and projects. When the company onboards my training, the changes are immediate and effect the bottom line. I apply my techniques holistically. What I mean by that is that I see the whole person and the big picture and work empathically to pair the two together for success. Also the fact that I was born and raised in New Zealand never hurts – everyone wants to adopt my accent! I want potential clients to know that when they hire me, they get a person who understands the power of communication, and who works carefully and confidently with people to bring out the very best in them. I’m passionate about my role, love sharing humor and watching people become empowered. It changes their lives!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Networking! It’s one of the most powerful tools in any industry. When a client is happy, they spread the word about my services. That’s how my business got started, grew, and continues to thrive. I’ve been fortunate not to have had to advertise, my clients do that by word of mouth.

Research! Before I meet with a potential client, I research them thoroughly on all available media, and through other people. When I commence the training, the language I use is focused on that client’s business, culture, and people. This characteristic gets passed onto potential clients and they frequently mention it when they interview me.

Empathy! When I enter a training room, nerves are rife! In the first 10 minutes, my goal is to have everyone feeling relaxed, open to the training, and willing to put themselves on the edge. My feedback is primarily positive (although of course there has to be negative too) however, the way I deliver that feedback affects the recipient’s reception of my words.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

 

I love to keep in touch with clients! I make it a rule to email them every three months (whether I have a current booking with them or not) to see how their
business is doing, how they are doing (especially during COVID) and what is currently taking their focus.

I also follow my clients on LinkedIn and Facebook. If they have a recent success, I post a comment. If they’ve recently hired someone, I post a comment. If
they have innovated a new device or tool, or whatever is applicable, I post my congratulations.