Discussion on:

When clients are people too

... to all my clients for making episode this as easy as possible. You can bet that I'll be looking for ways to return their kindness.

It seems that you have fully recovered. I hope everything is over and you are up and running as before. I wish this is the last big medication for the rest of your life - surgeries, hospitals and medicines are not "nice."

there is still so many good people out there. Hope everything went smoothly

A "relationship" is more about a mere transaction of services for dollars. It's a deeper symbiotic arrangement where both parties benefit mutually at a deeper level. It means that you are more patient and sensitive to the client's needs. It means that they are more patient with you when things go wrong. (and sooner or later they always do) It means that they don't dump you the moment someone cheaper or flashier comes along. It means that you don't raise your rates as aggressively as you would for a less-close client. It means you take their call at hours you might not take others. It means you don't charge for every phone call or nugget of advice. It's mutual respect for what each offers the relationship.

I am happy that I have many "relationships" whereas many of my peers have mere "jobs". Some of these relationships have lasted longer than most people's marriages.

Just something I'd like to add is that you might find some people that look at building a relationship of friendship with clients as just a means to gain more trust which is motivated solely by a desire to gain more buisness. I personally think one should be sincere in their effortts to befriend clients or don't borther. A person like that does themselves a huge disservice by being less than genuine and not true to themselves. And I think it shows over time with a client as well.

There is such a widespread lack of sincerity in the business world it's really quite a shame. it's like people discard their humanity when they walk in the door. It's awful to say, but the reason why reading an article like this gave me a warm feeling was probably because it's so rare that this stuff occurs so it stands out. If only more people thought like Chip does.

But then again, when one person does something others feel in their gut is a good thing, hopefully it inspires them.

Thanks for being true to yourself.