You have to prove yourself to your clients every single day. In the case of a troubled relationship, that might be more than once a day. Patricia Berry reveals some of the signs of a strained professional relationship.

Look for these signs of trouble from clients:

• More frequent complaints and an overreaction to problems.
• New management.
• Clients don't ask for your advice as they used to or they don't follow it.
• You get fewer phone calls from them or your phone calls aren't returned.
• Clients are slow to provide you with information.
• You call a person at one level and another one returns your call.

There are several ways to get a troubled relationship back on track. Offer to do daily or weekly conference calls to air issues. If the problems stem from a change in management, resell to the new people. Stress your capabilities and your track record with the account.

Do a lot more favors. In every relationship, it's the things you do over and above what's required that provides the cement. Stay focused on solutions — not personalities. Develop an action plan with the client. Your plan must be specific enough to address their concerns and include timelines to meet these issues.

Make sure that you're doing everything you can to prevent problems. The client's complaints might have unearthed something that really should be changed. Look at your policies with an eye toward the ones that are interfering with the process and communicate solutions once you know what needs to be changed. Issue progress reports — don't wait for your clients to ask for them. Say something like, “We'll be back to you in three months. Then do it!