Finishing School for Web Site Designers

by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@Webdesignschoolreview.com
Web Design School Review Columnist

You’ve got all the technical and creative skills of a Web designer, but can you deal with customers gracefully? Here are techniques for getting social skills that many professional Web designers lack.

Social Skills for Web Site Designers

Let’s face it—even the best Web site designers can destroy professional relationships if they don’t have customer service skills and know basic business etiquette. But how important is the social side of a business relationship? It’s not easy to quantify, but many would argue it can make or break dealings with potential clients. Where do you start in cultivating a professional, graceful manner?

Improve your speaking skills. Web site designers may be socially awkward in professional settings because they are uncomfortable speaking in more formal environments. Join a speech club or just allow yourself to give more thought to how you’d like to communicate with your client. Before you place a call, think about what you’d like yourself and your Web site design client to get from the exchange. Make sure you’re relaxed before the call and begin the conversation with a friendly tone.

Emulate the pros. If you have any co-workers who are particularly good with clients, observe them and try to incorporate their approach into yours. Of course, it’s important to be yourself and to come across as natural, but try to pick out what works as you observe others. Also, pay attention to how people deal with you—are some abrasive while others have a more pleasing style? Notice what makes some people appear more likable and capable than others.

Become a master of effective communication. This takes years of work, but if you start now, you’ll be on your way to cultivating one of the toughest skills in the workplace. This is especially true for professional Web designers who may prefer to spend the day interacting with a computer rather than a person. Learn how to manage expectations, deal with problems, and frame ideas in a compelling way. It’s also important to know when to keep communications short and when to be more expansive.

Improving social skills will do wonders for your career as a professional Web designer. Web site design skills are important, and needed more than anything else as you launch a professional Web design career. But once you’ve got the technical skills, start working to improve your professional manner and watch your success grow even more.

Source:

About Web Design

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.

Posted at 12:03 PM on January 5, 2007

Previous: For Better Web Site Design Job Prospects, Increase Technical Skills
Next: What Does Web 2.0 Mean to Website Designers?

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