It might be all too evident at times, and therefore goes without saying. But I’m going to say it anyway because I know at times I could use the reminder: you and your clients live in a different working world. As you research their product or service, you strive to understand what their environment is like. Unfortunately however, they don’t have to try and figure out yours. They probably have certain assumptions about the design business, and at times, these assumptions might strain the relationship or drive you crazy. We’ve all been there. However, for this post we’d like to focus on how to value the differences between you and your clients in bringing you to the best solution possible.

Here three quick things to consider:

1. Under Pressure: Before you begin a project, and maybe again when you receive a frazzled phone call from a client, consider the pressure your clients could be under. This might be stress from a higher-up authority. They have an extremely accelerated time frame and they are nervous about talking to you. Or maybe this is the first time they have outsourced design. Try to identify a few of their key pressure points. How can you alleviate it? Maybe it’s offering metrics to measure the success so they can give answers to their supervisors. Perhaps it’s communicating a decisive effort to go above and beyond to hit their deadlines and budget. Be creative in ways to show them you “get it.”

2. Get Their Thoughts: Consider a once-a-year or perhaps post-project followup survey. You could send it through email (the folks at MyEmma have an easy yet robust survey platform). Ask honest questions about how your clients view your process, your service, and the final product. But most of all listen and work on creating a common language to use when working together through understanding how you can serve them better. And make sure you respond to their feedback and integrate necessary changes into your workflow. For more perspective on listening check out DS Tip #75.

3. Win-Win: Keep this goal in mind at all times: Make your client look good. Make them shine in front of their boss, their coworkers and to their final audience. If they win, you win in the end. So before you start any project make sure you understand what success looks like to them.

What other tips do you have in working with clients? We know there are many more out there, so please share in the comments!

#64 Think about ways you can connect your clients with each other. There are some great opportunities for you to create deeper relationships.

We all feel good when someone recommends us to a potential client (and even better when it happens to be an ideal client or a great connection). But have you ever stopped to think about yourself as the connector? Consider your vendors and clients. Do you have one that can help another out? Perhaps their products and services will be mutually beneficial, helping them become more efficient or successful. Maybe it won’t work, but it could be within your power to create a strong and lasting partnership.

Take some time and think about how utilizing your network can benefit your clients. Don’t expect anything in return, but more often than not the result is a stronger relationship that will reap much more than you can imagine in the end. Whether it’s through email, LinkedIn, coffee, hosting a lunch or other social avenue, there are many ways you can do connect your amigos for the greater good.

Do you do this already? Any great stories of success? Failures? Let us know.

#62: Have a good supply of unique gift items to send to clients & business amigos for birthdays, anniversaries and any sort of special occasion.

As we all are becoming more “wireless,” we must remember gifts, especially for business. Who doesn’t like getting a personalized care package recognizing an anniversary, promotion, new birth, or a random occasion? We talked about personalized notes a few tips back, but giving gifts is also a great relationship builder (plus it’s fun!). For more along these lines, we have a post coming up about listening to and “dating” clients, but for now we just recommend taking notes on clients’ unique interests. Then when a special occasion comes up you will have a better idea of what will really make their day.

Also, keep on hand a collection of your own note cards and other swag to send along. This adds a personal touch as well as extending your brand. One of the things we do is we buy several copies of our favorite something - usually a business book or a great kid’s book for our clients’ kids.

Some of our favorite business gift books are:
Brand Gap, Zag, The Designful Company, Made to Stick, Groundswell

Some of our favorite kid’s gift books are:
Where the Wild Things Are, Little 1, Charley Harper ABCs

We also send gifts that are special or unique from our locale. We have a great caterer/deli/sweets mecca in Geneva called Movable Feast. We send their brownies whenever we need to. We also will send Lou Malnati’s pizza or Eli’s Cheesecake.

Anyway, I think you get the point. Take a few minutes to brighten your clients’ days. I guarantee they will appreciate it.

Any other suggestions? What do you send to your clients?