Comments on: Do You Treat all Your Clients Equally?

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:16:18 +0000

Agree completely Jodee. When I did music PR work I used to work with well-known artists and their managers as well as unknowns. Everyone was treated equally. In my business writing work now, I work with unknown webmasters and large corporations. Again, they’re still treated equally. They also seem to appreciate it – smaller clients appreciate the attention and larger clients often find it refreshing when someone isn’t in “OMG, I’m so lucky to be working with you,” mode.

I think it would be absolutely ridiculous to treat a client differently (better) because you think they may lead to more work or referrals. You never know who a client knows (even a small one). I’ve never pursued larger corporate clients. Every one that I’ve worked with came through a referral from someone much smaller on a visibility level.

By: Alik

Alik — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:06:00 +0000

I agree. I treat all clients equally because they’re paying me for my time and effort, which is the same to everyone. Also, you can never really tell who’s going to give you referrals or not. I’ve gotten referrals from some of the most unlikely people, and I’ve shown them how appreciative I am of that. My rule of thumb is to act like everyone is going to give you a referral and do the job well enough that would compel them to refer you. No one is going to refer an average writer – people refer above average writers who impress them.

By: Lou Paun

Lou Paun — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:43:05 +0000

In terms of quality of work, I think you are exactly right. All clients deserve the quality that I represent; that’s why they hire me.

In terms of scheduling, I do give priority to repeat clients that pay promptly, then to repeat clients in general. That’s just a practical business decision.

I also tend to give priority to clients who are pleasant to work with or who have interesting projects. That’s not a business decision, but I think it’s a normal response.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:16:05 +0000

wow… that sounds so reasonable and well-considered!

truth is, though, that I do treat clients differently.

I knock myself out for clients who are “regulars,” and would put off a one-timer for an ongoing client’s immediate needs. I do seem to put more time and effort into projects that I enjoy, and/or projects that have the possibility of helping me build my reputation in an area that really excites me.

Guess that makes me human…??

By: Tricia Goss

Tricia Goss — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:54:10 +0000

I think this is true regarding life in general. Nicely put!

By: Mark Keating

Mark Keating — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:08:05 +0000

Exactly right Jodee. All you ever owe your client – any client – is your best effort. Makes life a lot simpler.