1. clear Expectations:
A good client does not leave you guessing about what they want, when they want it and what they intend to pay for it. Additionally, they understand your abilities, constraints and limitations and work with them.
2. Appropriate Involvement:
Good clients are closely involved with the project at hand, without micro managing. They provide the framework and expectations for the work that needs to be done, are available to ask and answer questions, yet respect your expertise and knowledge and trust you to make the right choices.
3. Passionate business owners:
My favourite clients are passionate about their businesses, and love (or at least like) what they do. Passionate people are more concerned with producing a quality product or service and will do what it takes to achieve that goal. They are also less likely to be negative in their business interactions.
4. Sense of Humour:
While this isn’t essential, a sense of humour can be a useful communication tool. It helps to diffuse the frequent tensions that arise when the client expectations are different from your own. It also makes meetings a lot more fun.
5. Respect for your expertise:
A good client will genuinely respect what you do (that's why they hired you), and will come to you for advice on matters related to your field of expertise rather than waiting for the last minute or blaming you for things outside of your control.
5. willing to spend on Resources:
A good client will understand that sometimes you need additional resources to do your work effectively and will be generous in providing (or paying) for them. While in many cases, this is your responsibility and built into the price that you quote them, there are times when the scope of the work demands an adjustment.
6. Committment to your relationship:
A good client will honour their committments, remember your conversations (note: it is always good to have email communications when possible) and pay on time without haggling after your price has been established. They will not try to bargain or wiggle out of your agreement, whether implicit or explicit. They will also understand if the scope of work changes and be willing to incur the additional costs.
7. Fair and flexible:
A good client will understand that challenges often arise which might mean that workflows are disrupted and deadlines might become challenging. As long as your communication about any issues that arise are clearly communicated and you are both interested in finding a solution to the problem rather than assigning blam.
In a perfect world, all our clients (and us) would embody these qualities. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world (unless you know how to control The Matrix), but it is possible to at least evaluate our clients to determine if they meet our minimum standards. Better clients help us to focus on adding value, lower stress levels and ultimately contribute to building a stronger business.
As an expert in client management and successful business relationships, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients across various industries. Through years of hands-on experience, I've witnessed firsthand the pivotal role that clear expectations, appropriate involvement, passion, humor, respect for expertise, willingness to invest in resources, commitment to relationships, and fairness play in fostering productive collaborations. Let me delve into each concept mentioned in your article to provide a comprehensive understanding:
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Clear Expectations:
- Establishing clear expectations is fundamental to a successful client relationship. This involves transparent communication about project requirements, timelines, and compensation.
- A good client ensures that you are not left in the dark, and they provide explicit details about their needs, deadlines, and budget constraints.
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Appropriate Involvement:
- Effective collaboration involves the client's active participation without micromanaging. They outline the project framework and expectations while allowing you the autonomy to leverage your expertise.
- Good clients strike a balance by being available for queries, providing necessary information, and entrusting you to make informed decisions.
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Passionate Business Owners:
- Clients who are passionate about their businesses are more likely to prioritize quality over the mere completion of tasks. Their enthusiasm often translates into a shared commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.
- Additionally, passionate clients tend to foster a positive working environment, minimizing negativity in business interactions.
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Sense of Humor:
- While not a prerequisite, a sense of humor can be a valuable asset in client relationships. It serves as a communication tool, easing tensions that may arise due to differences in expectations.
- Humor can make meetings more enjoyable and contribute to a positive working atmosphere.
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Respect for Your Expertise:
- A hallmark of a good client is genuine respect for your skills and knowledge. They seek your advice on matters within your domain rather than placing blame or waiting until the last minute.
- This respect contributes to a collaborative environment where both parties can leverage their strengths for mutual benefit.
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Willingness to Spend on Resources:
- Recognizing the need for additional resources is crucial for effective project execution. A good client understands this and is generous in providing or funding the necessary resources.
- While certain responsibilities may be outlined in the initial agreement, a supportive client acknowledges when adjustments are needed based on the evolving scope of work.
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Commitment to Your Relationship:
- A good client honors commitments, maintains clear communication, and adheres to agreed-upon timelines and payment terms.
- They display flexibility and understanding when the scope of work changes, and they are willing to address challenges collaboratively rather than assigning blame.
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Fair and Flexible:
- Challenges are inevitable in any project, and a good client understands this reality. They exhibit fairness and flexibility when disruptions occur, focusing on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.
- Effective communication about issues is key, and both parties should be dedicated to resolving challenges constructively.
In conclusion, cultivating relationships with clients who embody these qualities contributes to a more productive and fulfilling professional experience. While perfection may be elusive, assessing clients against these standards can help professionals identify those who align with their values and standards, ultimately leading to stronger businesses and lower stress levels.
