Garnering a Relationship Before Designing Anything

My team requires me to provide them with some initial information on our clients before we first put pen to paper, or these days, click the mouse. If not, then there is no primary metric for us to interpret a client’s desires, wishes, and more importantly, needs. Sometimes we get told, “we’re designing without a client,” and that can always prove to be difficult and inefficient in any circumstance.

We are a relationship-driven business. But even more important in the development of a relationship is trusting that we are the right firm to provide professional services. We as a team commit to our clients to do what is right. In the development of challenges that our clients face daily, they still need the ability to complete their daily job while managing any new project that comes their way.

Hence, we want to make any design project as forthcoming and seamless for our clients to be the heroes. After all, we are the experts that should provide this guidance!

While trust becomes the most interesting perspective from the service provider’s side, all clients want to feel is that their new-found friend can provide value.  That also proves to be difficult, especially as business development efforts push forward, the value becomes recognized when someone can deliver exceptional results.  As business developers, our jobs are to connect the right people to not only the right projects, but personalities need to be very cohesive.

So, as relationships get built with potential clients, it’s ultimately just as important to make the trust internally with your team.

Having clear expectations and guidance is helpful, but ultimately listening to what the client needs are provides mutual respect between all project team members.  Trust and value become predominant factors for any relationship to keep moving forward.

When all parties communicate openly, the relationship blossoms into an even better friendship.

Author: Cory Dietz