It’s simple math.

I have been reminded of this equation in the last few months working with a great client. This recent relationship has been a rewarding and beneficial partnership for all parties involved. Don’t get me wrong, we love all of our clients…some just more than others.

The point is, clients that appreciate the work and choose to acknowledge it with praise and respect (not just contempt and criticism), are rewarded well beyond the value of the assignment. There’s an old saying, that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Now I’m really not crazy about amassing a large collection of flies, but basically this means… don’t be an ass.

You can get much farther with most anyone if you behave like a fellow human being. I have a friend and client, Peter Truitt,  who is a master at this approach. I’m sure his parents engrained this into him as a small child. He is a gentlemen first and foremost. Peter and I don’t always see eye to eye on a solution, but he is always quick to begin his retort with a positive comment before providing constructive feedback.

The agency team is accepting of his opinion, rationalization and input and is ready to jump right back up on the horse for another ride. Our natural human behavior to please has resulted in some of the best work in my 20+ year career for this great client.

Now the opposite usually holds true for the alternative approach.

We’ve all had one or two clients in our career that for whatever reason, feel it necessary to pound their fists and throw a tantrum when the work is not what was expected. I understand the pressure on these fine individuals (I have a few of my own) but do they realize this behavior affects outcome? I recently ran across a poster from the printmaker, Anthony Burrill that sums it all up.  Work Hard and Be Nice to People.

Make this your new mantra.
Your attitude will improve and I’m sure the work will be affected too.

—Dan

Poster by Anthony Burrill