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GREAT Clients
I know they exist. Here’s our latest great client story (please add yours, if you’re inclined):
About 8 months ago, I was contacted by a potential client (we’ll call him Ron) who’d seen our website and wanted to bring us in as his digital agency. I sent Ron our initial client worksheet (I have these set up on Wufoo.com for potential clients, it helps us get a feel for the client, their needs, and their budget expectations), and he filled it out. We then had our initial client call, and we hit it off.
Unfortunately, the economy then impacted Ron’s plans so he had to put things on hold. Thinking that was it, we moved on.
Then, about two months ago, Ron reappeared. He told me he’s made the commitment to really get his company out there, and that he’d decided to retain us as his digital agency.
Here’s where the good stuff happened:
Ron told me he knew we’d have a lot of work to do, over several projects, and didn’t want us to worry about money. He didn’t want to spend too much, but he wanted us to be comfortable and give him our best work. He then gave us a decent deposit check, and we agreed to work on an hourly basis plus expenses for him.
Well, about a month ago we realized that the very first project we would be doing for Ron was running into problems. It was a website migration from a Microsoft platform to open source, and it was not going well. Perhaps the previous developer did some nasty things, perhaps not. But we incurred about $6,000 of cost overruns beyond what we’d told Ron the project should run (while we are on an hourly plus expenses basis, we do give Ron general estimates on particular jobs).
We notified Ron about this, and I gave him a breakdown of the time spent on this project. Ron got back to me within two minutes, telling me he appreciated our candor and that he’s still onboard and trusts that we’re doing what’s best for him.
Shortly thereafter, we got some new reports from Google- our migration work had made a huge positive impact on Ron’s Google rankings. Woohoo! Ron was elated. We were, too.
Our next projects for Ron include a new website and a ton of RED video production work. So far, Ron’s been incredibly supportive and has not flinched when we’ve wanted to do things like rent a greenscreen stage for the day, set up a good solid film crew, and charge for rental items, including a RED Rocket portable system.
So far, Ron trusts us and he knows we’ll do the right thing by him. And he’s right- Ron’s an awesome guy, and a great client, and we work really hard for him. Similarly, we trust Ron to treat us with respect and pay us fairly, and on time.
I know, perhaps there’s nothing so remarkable in this story. After all, it’s how things SHOULD work in our world, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. But when we get a client like Ron, it makes me remember why we started our company and it makes coming to work a joy. That’s huge, and I wanted to share.
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
14 Replies
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Thanks for sharing a good one. Its nice to hear some positives in a world so wrapped up in the sky falling right now. Best of luck with “Ron”.
Editor / Motion Graphics Artist
http://www.GlenMontgomeryIII.com -
Great report, Patrick.
But be careful and never add another client named Ron.
Why?
As they always say, “Remember, two Rons do not make a right.”
Best,
Ron Lindeboom
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[Ron Lindeboom] “As they always say, “Remember, two Rons do not make a right.” “
I’m one of them and I can guarantee you, WE never say that….under any circumstance…..
Furthermore, it should never ever be uddered on the Cow again….
Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media -
Then you would have to “Do Ron-Ron…” Sounds very musical.
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Oh no! All the best witty replies have been posted. :-). Thanks, guys!
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
I hear ya. I often can’t call my best clients clients at all because they have become such great friends.
This has been a tight year for my family and I. Last week, my cruisin’ vessel up a died:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMoIXx_qWaA
A client I know as a friend now called me when he saw this video with a “you could probably use some cash for some new wheels. How ’bout we revise the video you made for my band tomorrow so you can replace the cruisin’ vessel?”
Gold.
Dude didn’t need revisions. He wanted to give me some money. We revised because we are old school men who require work for such a thing.
What a great guy.
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WOW. I am impressed, and yes- the best clients do feel much more like friends!
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http://www.patrickortman.com
Web and Video Design -
[Patrick Ortman] “yes- the best clients do feel much more like friends!”
That is one of the reasons that over the years, Kathlyn and I have continued working with some of the companies that we believed in that were in dire straits and we had to carry them for a while. Most all of them — oh, there were rare exceptions — stayed with us once they recovered and once again had money to spend.
Some of our most loyal companies are companies that were once in some precarious situations that we weathered with them and helped them get back on their feet.
The ones who were disingenuous and were working us, can no longer stand us (guilt maybe?) but the majority whom we’ve helped wouldn’t trade us for anyone else. They know that we cared about them as people and with that kind of relationship in place, it’s tough for anyone trying to break that relationship and take that client.
This requires that you REALLY know who is being real with you and who is just trying to work you. Most all of the companies with whom we’ve had to do this are still with us. And as to the others? They are far less onerous when I look away from them and keep my eyes on the ones whom we’ve helped who couldn’t be dislodged from us with dynamite.
Most people are pretty decent sorts, and in learning to deal with the rest I simply remember the words of the sergeant from Hill Street Blues: “Be careful out there!”
Best regards,
Ron Lindeboom
CEO, CreativeCOW.netCreativity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same individual.
Graveyards are full of people the world couldn’t do without.
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What, No new job with a 5 figure increase?
I’m Shocked, Shocked I tell youNeil Hurwitz
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[Neil Hurwitz] “What, No new job with a 5 figure increase? “
Raise the budget 5-cents and there’s Grinner’s five figure increase.
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los AngelesPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
EPK Colorist – UP IN THE AIR – nominated for six academy awards
A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.
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