Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we celebrated our first anniversary in business. Well, with social distancing and stay-at-home orders, we actually recognized it. Not much celebrating happening now. While we are busier than ever, we also have some time to reflect on how fortunate we are to have such wonderful clients. A good business is only as good as its customers and clients. So, this blog is a Shout Out to Great Clients!
What are Great Clients?
From our perspective, great clients have all of the following attributes:
- Fun – business is serious, but it can also be fun. Do you have rapport with your clients? Can you laugh with them?
- Challenging – do your clients challenge you to be better? Challenging is not the same thing as being difficult. You should be challenged with respect. The challenge should make you want to learn and grow, not frustrate you.
- Ambitious – ambition is the first step to success. We win when our clients win. Therefore, nothing makes us happier than seeing our ambitious clients reach an important goal or milestone.
- Motivated – like ambition, motivation is key. Who wants to work with lazy, unmotivated clients? One thing is for certain, dealing with the unmotivated only makes our job harder.
- Respect – for one another. A great client respects what benefits you bring to the relationship and vice-versa. Respect is also important on the personal relationship level. From tone in conversation (and email) to basic courtesies, respect matters in all forms. Nobody wants to work with an a-hole.
- Unique – some of the best clients have a unique business and/or personality. This keeps things interesting and fun. Also, it allows for creativity and growth.
- Purpose-Driven – why do your clients do what they do? We are fortunate that our clients are in business to help people who need help. Sure, they like making money, who doesn’t? But, as marketers, we know that financial success comes to those who are driven by a purpose and not just chasing dollars.
- Appreciation – clients must appreciate the value that you bring to their business. This appreciation is shown in several ways – they hire you, retain you, pay your bill, and refer others to you. Also, they listen and take your advice. Did you ever have a client who knows more than you? Not much fun, is it?
Do you have great clients?
The above is our definition of a great client. How do you define it? If you define one as somebody who simply pays your bills, you may be missing something. No, you ARE missing something. You are missing an opportunity grow both personally and professionally. Where is your shout out to great clients?
We previously wrote a blog called The Ideal Client for Lawyers. In this blog, we talk about knowing who is the right client for you and why. This blog is a complement to that. If you want help figuring it all out, give us a ring.