Hey guys, I really wanted to share my perspective on how you should interact with clients for maximum professionality.
It is in fact skewed to a perspective of a graphics designer, but when you're working as a freelancer, more or less any type of work should be pretty much the same.
Every single element of your work is an art form. The work that you do, all the way to the contracts you write. Interfacing with your client is an artform as well. When it comes to discussing work and potential projects, there is a certain tone that you should use.
We're going to go over interfacing with a make believe client, and I'll go over what and how you should be sounding to the client.
THE CLIENT
So here's the example:
Chris is the CEO. Based on everything he told us, he was born a coding prodigy. He started coding since he was 12, by the time he was 15 he was hacking airport databases much to our amusement. He’s got a dream to redefine everything we know about coding. And he really like our style of graphics design. He likes pandas and everything about pandas. Recently he’s finished a prototype of some sort of coding language and is ready to take it public.
But Malice, why should we know these things?
Well, we must use all information to our advantage. And setting a bond with our client is one of the most important things we can achieve. If our client is willing to share this much information with us, we’re off to a flying start. But be careful, there is such a thing as too much. We want to forge a strong business relationship, not become the client’s best friend. And trust me, it’s easy for that to happen.
But Malice, a best friend client, that sounds awesome!
You. Don’t. Know. What. Your. Asking. For. If the client sees us that close and personal, he’s going to want the very best of what we can do. He’ll start asking for extra revisions and “One more thing, can you..”. Every single thing you say has the potential to be used against you in the future.
Never say things that can be interpreted as you working for free. You have to be subtle as a feather, at the same time, solid and impenetrable like a mountain. If the client sees us as a close friend, or even friend, he’s going to want favors. And we’re not in the business of favors. We’re in the business of selling our services.
Be formal. Always. Treat your client like.. Your friend’s Dad. You want him to like you, but you don’t want to go fishing with him. You want to get the inside scoop, and a strong business relationship. But to do this, you have to play a major mind game.
It’s hard to explain, but let me go over a few scenarios with you.
Client: Wow man, I really like your graphics designs, I’m pretty excited to be working with you!
Your answer:
Wow, I’m totally flustered by that comment man, I’m really happy to work with you too. I’ll do everything in my power to meet and exceed your expectations. Together we will make your dream a reality.
What the hell is wrong with you. Don’t act like such a fangirl. Show that you know that you’re good at what you do, and why it was certainly kind of Mr.Chris to complement our work, but we don’t need to bend over for him either.
Revised Answer:
Thank you very much Mr.Chris. It’s taken awhile, but I’ve really nailed the formula of what I do, and I’m fairly excited to work with you too.
Formal. Formal. Formal. Always be formal, or you’re going to regret it. Keep things short and sweet. We retain our respect and complement from Mr.Chris, but we don’t go overboard.
1 part Formal, 1 part Respectful, 1 confidence
It's a complicated formula, and it's something that will be hard to master. But when you do, you'll notice how much more easier it is to actually vocalize with your client. And you will find that more and more people will come to respect you and your opinions. Clients will come to you for advice and your thoughts. It's how you become an Authority in your field.
Hopefully, this can get the ball rolling in your mind, perhaps it may even be something you want to adapt.
It's certainly not easy, and it takes a passive thinking. I personally thought that there is just not enough content on this subject on the web, and in my honest opinion, is just another thing that seperates professionals from amatuers.
That's everything I have for now.
Tell me about your experiences with interacting with your clients
I'd love to hear about everyone else's experiences on this subject. Please come discuss with me.
Logo Giveaway
Alrighty so, In my introduction post I mentioned that I would like to help contribute to the steemit community right?
Well, I came up with a very fair and awesome way I can do just that. I will like to announce that I will be doing a weekly logo design giveaway.
Under normal circumstances, I would advise no logo designer to give away their product for nothing. However, steemit has embraced me, and I'd like to keep good on my word and return the favor.
Once every week, on Monday, I will select 1 random follower to have a one totally free logo design from start to finish. All that follower has to do is provide me a brief, and I will take care of the rest.
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For more information, check out my post
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