Exam Info

When You've Got an Important Client

Of course, all of your clients are important.

Having said that, some are more important than others. Think Well-Known Persons, local politicians, folks with more money than some of us, etc.

It's easy to get intimidated by such people. And it doesn't help that some folks like this are good at intimidating others. So, how to deal with them?

My bottom line is that I treat everyone alike. I've used this rule long enough that I'm good at it. This means that if I already have an appointment scheduled with someone else, and Mrs. Moneybag-Jones wants me to bump the first appointment to make room for her, it doesn't happen.

Treating everyone pretty much alike makes it easier on you. If you defer to VIPs, they will sense it, and some will treat you like the hired help. Far better to operate with a little distance, and assure them that your time, too, is valuable, but you will do your best to fit them in.

Treating everyone alike also makes such people less intimidating. I operate on the principle that everyone pretty much puts on their pants one leg at a time, and I am not easily impressed, at least not by riches, Importance, or whatever. When all else fails, and you are shaking because this person is so important, use the underwear rule: imagine them sitting in front of you in their underwear, and they will seem less intimidating. (The more attractive a person is, the less easily this rule works).

Bottom line? Relax, and enjoy every client you have to see. Most of them -- important or not -- are interesting people. Plan to enjoy the few minutes you have with them, and do a good job.

posted by Jim Huffman @ 9:44 AM