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What makes an ideal client ?
Well there are the obvious ones like prompt payment, clear expectations, and respect for each other but there are also some not so obvious characteristics that can make or break a deal with me.
I'm at the point in my life where I don't have to work with just any old job opportunity that comes my way. I have earned the right to be selective.
When I work with a client (or a Doctor or my kids' teachers) I expect to be viewed as an important team member. I understand that you are the client, but if you are hiring me to consult, you need to understand that I am going to be offering my professional opinion based on the information I'm being given. I may not agree with every decision made in the process and I understand we may not end up doing it the way I propose but I expect to be heard and acknowledged along the way.
Back in the day when I worked for Digital Equipment Corporation every single employee got a frozen turkey at Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas. You talk to any ex-DECie and their eyes will glaze over when remembering the turkeys. It was a small token that ended up making an huge impact on the employees. Everyone loved their turkeys.
It's the same with clients. Any company that throws me an occasional turkey gets my allegiance. This is one of those cases where it's the thought – the showing of appreciation – that counts far more than the gift. Without going Pollyanna on you, life is just too short for me to have to work with people who aren't nice.
I also like to see creativity, inventiveness, a sense of humor, and compassion - throw in a good dose of social consciousness and you'll have me at “Pleased to meet you.”
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