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Clients Are NOT Your Friends

Started by Cristina Favreau · 10 months ago

Yesterday, a client explained her business model to me, justifying (red lights already) why she thought she should attend a trade show as a vendor, putting her family $5000+ in debt: “If I’m a vendor, then I’ll get clients and contacts. Then I ca ... Continue reading »

6 comments

  • Pat Snow

    1 year ago

    Hi Cristina,

    You are so right... it is sometimes so hard to realize that nothing is personal!!

    It definitely gets easier the longer we are in business or in life.

    Great example of super coaching!!

    Take care,

    Pat
    reply
  • Jenn

    1 year ago

    How do I get close without crossing the line? Boundaries boundaries boundaries! LOL! I lay out very clearly what I expect from clients, and I tell them that I will be honest, and when I hear them say something (or not say something) that needs to be fleshed out - we WILL talk about it.

    As for your client fearing rejection... I've been in that situation myself - and when someone is raving about you, and then they fall off the planet, 9 times out of 10, it's because they are extremely busy. It has nothing to do with you, or that they were possibly not being truthful when they said how much they adored you :)

    I find, if I want to reach out to someone who I haven't heard from in a while, or who has been "ignoring" me - I'll write them an e-mail or leave a voice mail with a very specific request.

    For example "Hi Mr. Professor! I was just thinking about you and wondering how everything was going. I'm just about to create a new brochure and would love to have a one sentence testimonial from you that I can share with other potential clients.

    When you have a minute, could you tell me the best thing that's happened as a result of our work together.

    Thanks so much!"

    This way - it's quick, and it's specific. And for me, this sort of request almost always gets answered.
    reply
  • Cristina Favreau

    1 year ago

    Pat, thanks for your comment. It's nice to hear from such a seasoned coach (whom I greatly respect) that it gets easier with time!
    reply
  • Cristina Favreau

    1 year ago

    Jenn, I love that you put the solution so simply -- boundaries! Thanks for your simple "script." I'll be sure to pass it along to my client!!
    reply
  • Teresa Morrow

    1 year ago

    Cristina,

    For me, sometimes clients can be friends. I approach everything with honesty and integrity, I don't worry about not being friends or being friends with a client. However, I don't go into a client relationship needing to become a friend with a client. Sometimes the situation doesn't warrant or allow a friendship to grow. And that is fine. However, sometimes a client will come along with I really "gel" with and then we naturally become friends.

    For the situation you are talking about above, I don't think someone should worry whether or not you will receive a testimonial or referrals from each client. Yes, it is nice however, don't feel slighted if it doesn't happen. Just keep working honestly and with integrity and you will be just fine.

    Sincerely,

    Teresa Morrow
    reply
  • Julie, writer surefirewealth.c

    1 year ago

    I have to admit that the line tends to blur if you're not conscious of it. Sometimes, we can't help but be swept away by the relationship. Just because you and a client get along doesn't automatically mean you have a personal relationship with him or her.
    reply

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