How many bloggers talk about entrepreneurship? How many personal blogs analyze the mindset of giant corporations? Or even the number of people who deliver success stories, values, or daily wisdom on their various accounts? What I’m currently thinking about is… we talk, and we talk a lot. The problem isn’t just in the talking; it’s in the way those who talk think. Their mindset becomes “Martian”—coming from Mars. You don’t know where they get it from. And as soon as you have a simple practical interaction with them, you’ll realize that everything you read or the ideas they convey to you are completely different from the reality of their mindset. The many success stories that have settled in their subconscious mind start to overshadow the reality they live in, and their behavior towards those around them reflects this, as they consider themselves to have the most rational mind and the sharpest vision, one that can almost distinguish the right path without thinking.
The bigger problem arises when you deal with a client who has that mindset. What you expect from them before starting the work is completely different from the reality or truth you’ll experience with them. You might expect, for example, that they will appreciate your work and vision for what you do and will transfer a huge dose of optimism to you to carry you through your day. And surely, they will exhibit realism in conversation and thinking, value time, show patience, wisdom, and so on… right?!
Unfortunately, the bitter truth with some of these types is that they will come to you with strange ideas, make you redo the work a thousand times, and decide to create a new success story by working with you. They personally believe that they are giving you more than they are taking… by granting you the honor of working with them, that golden opportunity that won’t come again. They are the Prince of Persia, the ruler of the lands of successful optimists. And of course, your day will start with a long morning message, followed by another message, and then a bundle of new ideas, only to have them all discarded the next day. They’ll then recount the success story of Apple, imagining themselves as Steve, “but the Arab version of him, who doesn’t know what they want.”
Of course, and without a doubt, I’m not generalizing. I, personally, by the grace of God, have dealt with more than one person who has this mindset, and some were like a dream; we started and finished smoothly. And then there were those who matched the description above. Certainly, you can deal with both types, but the question here is: how do you handle the second, more challenging type? Here are some ideas I’ve come up with that may help us with that…
How Do I Deal with a Client Obsessed with Success Stories?
1. Set clear and explicit terms: You can read the following post to help you with this.
2. Inquire about every little detail: Have them clearly define what they need.
3. Write the work terms and requirements in a document: Then send it to them to serve as a reference for both of you.
4. Didn’t fully understand the idea? Use this magic phrase: “Do you mean this?”
5. Set a specific time to respond to emails: And inform them that you dedicate a certain period for work “from X to Y.”
6. Add an extra profit margin: To the usual amount “and there’s no harm in that.” You’ll understand what I mean when you try it.
7. Be firm and clear: Don’t use the concept of friendship “or exploitation in another sense.”
8. Don’t give them room for imitation: By asking you to mimic a foreign idea or a successful Arab website.
9. If they use “success story references”: Tell them you’re realistic, and it’s experience that proves things, not those stories.
10. Then prove your point with strong work: Be firm, but without conflict.
In Conclusion…
Be honest, clear, and flexible. Break some terms or stick to others as needed. Deal with them professionally, and build a working friendship, not a relationship of exploitation. Offer them a simple discount or a freebie to make up for your firmness in some situations. Finish the work after making sure they are satisfied. Then, if you wish, explain some issues or what bothered you during the collaboration. After all, we’re not in a battle, nor are we looking to create enemies, but rather to complete the work successfully and leave with a smile 🙂