Every once in a while I run into another service provider when I’m working with a client and think “huh.” A year ago I wrote about this – but it’s happening again, and I figured it was time for a reminder.
One of the reasons I started my own business is because I’m totally unemployable. I work at my own schedule, which bosses didn’t always appreciate and I like my own schedule. BUT when I’m working with a client and they have a team (graphic designer, web developer, SEO consultant, virtual assistant, etc.) I trust my client has hired them because they know, like and trust them, and I only refer service providers I know, like and trust.
So when another service provider decided to stop answering my emails about a week ago, I was annoyed. I talked with the client and the client recognized it, which is good. Then another service provider started giving a lot of suggestions that don’t seem to be in my client’s best interests. After reviewing an email that asked a lot of weird questions I thought we’d already answered or weren’t in the scope of need for this client, I asked my client about it. Luckily my client felt the same way and we’re working together with this service provider to ensure our CLIENT’S vision is going to be the final product. Not the service providers.
As a service provider we need to ensure our clients get the results they want, not what you want. Yes client’s hire us to give our expertise and opinion, but in the end, it’s their business and their decision. Just because I hate pink doesn’t mean my client shouldn’t have pink branding materials. Now, if my client uses comic sans, we have another story…
When you finish working with a client they should be happy with the work you’ve done, and proud to share it. If they are hesitant to use the materials you provided – it’s time for a conversation to figure out what’s going on. Make sure that you have THEIR best interests in mind, not your own desires.
Last week I got an email from a colleague who wanted to set up time for a call to catch up. I wanted to hear about what’s going on in their business too. As we started talking, I rambled on about the move to Oregon, how work’s going, Norm, etc. I then asked how their business is going – and the response was “I think I need to hire you to manage my newsletter.”
A couple of weeks ago I needed to do something that I didn’t want to do in my business. I talked with my coach to see if there was any way I could just be Pacific Northwest Passive Aggressive and not actually have to do what I knew I needed to buck up and do. She called me out and told me I had to put on my big girl pants and do it. But I drug my feet, and tried a partial PNWPA tactic which got me almost no where. So finally after 2 weeks I did what needed to be done. And it wasn’t horrible. AND I got the response I needed and closure within 2 hours.