What makes the perfect client?
There was a big philosophical discussion over lunch at Blend the other day. The topic was centered around how people measure success. The obvious and default answer in this culture is social status and a massive bank account. The less glorified, but more significant angle would involve more relationship focused riches. For example, a loving family, good friends, and a life well spent making the world a better place.
If you apply the same sort of introspection to business, it will similarly shift the kind to clients you want to attract. If your goals aren’t focused purely on money and power, what does a perfect client look like? Perhaps it is easiest to start by defining a few things that a perfect client does not have to be.
The perfect client does NOT necessarily offer:
- Giant brand-name clout
- An unlimited budget (see also – Why I want to design for free)
- The most profitable projects
- Total creative freedom
Some of those hit pretty close to home. I know I have wished I could work on projects that offered some of those things… And I have had the chance to experience some of them. But I think there are better clients out there that will be completely overlooked if these are your guiding criteria. So what makes for the perfect client?
I would love to work for more clients who:
- Are friendly and respectful to work with
- Have clear goals (that don’t change on every phone call
) - Are open to suggestions
- Have reasonable timelines
- Value the work being done
- Have a good cause or product
I’m sure this list can be refined and expanded, but you get the idea. There may be no perfect client, however, finding good people to work with may get you a long way toward becoming a truly successful business. And you may even make the world a little better in the process.
Here are a few additional perspectives on the perfect client:
