How are we doing?

This morning, Ilise and I were talking about today’s blog post. She brought up the topic of this being a good time of year to have a conversation with clients -- about how things have gone this year, what’s worked, and what could be improved.

So, I took the opportunity to ask Ilise, “How have things gone this year? What have you liked? What can we improve?” (I’m not only a website copywriter – Ilise also calls me her "right hand.")

We had a great chat about the work we’ve done this year… how we have worked together and how we could grow in 2010.

Fortunately, we try to discuss and improve upon any hiccups as they happen. But not all working relationships are this way. Are your clients forthright about issues? Or do they need to be asked?

How about you? Are you the kind of person who says, “This isn’t working for me”? Or do you keep it in and ultimately resent your client?

We think that communication is the key to having good working relationships. To quote Ilise, “Clear communication is the key to success.”

So, for the sake of a productive, fruitful 2010, talk to your clients today. Come up with one thing you like, and one thing you would like to improve in each working relationship. Then call the client and have the discussion.

You will definitely get feedback that will help you improve your relationship in the future – and you might even get some well-deserved praise and appreciation (and don't forget to ask if you can use it as a testimonial)!

Try it. And let us know what happens.

Comments

[Jennifer Neal]

We have a very big client of 4 years, that has, in the last 4 months, grown by 4 times.

It has caused a ton of work for our studio and a ton of headaches. Their lack of planning and rushed deadlines has caused: missed typos on logos, bad trim marks on print, signed off garbage basically.

We are starting to make mistakes because of their extreme growth. We have, in the past, been praised on perfect files at press, stellar creative and huge ambassadors in helping them create their brand. Now we are embarrassed for the their poor sign offs and our mistakes due to trying to make ridiculous deadlines (i.e. can you re size this to 11X17 today and I need 4,000 copies tomorrow). We kept trying to achieve their needs but in the end all we were doing was digging a hole.

So I put my foot down (not knowing how they would react) and told them that this wasn't working and that I think I could help our process by debunking a project piece by piece so that we could see where the errors are likely to creep in and write a report.

My client was very appreciative of: my offer to write a report, make recommendations and even offer staffing solutions on their end that will help to streamline the process.

I could have kept hoping it would get better, but I know from experience that what happens is, everybody keep chugging along hoping it will get better and then someone gets fired.

We have sold ourselves as a professional studio that assists them with their goals - this is another way we assist them. Helping to recognize when improvement is needed.

I'll tell you how the report is received after I present it. I am very optimistic about how it will elevate our relationship with them.