Because I think we can all do a little more to make our working relationships easier, here are some common things I’ve seen over the years. Of course, to be fair, I will publish a future post from the client’s perspective. Enjoy.
- You say things like, “I’m the client, you’re the agency.” or “I’m not paying you to think, just do it.”
- You do not read the recommendations or points of view sent over & ask stupid questions (the answers for which are contained within).
- You make bold statements or ask questions about things you thought were not delivered. But, alas they were & have been sitting in your inbox for over a day.
- You consistently change established goals & wonder why your agency fees continue to rise.
- You heinously consistently miss deadlines & expect your agency to make up the difference.
- You give unclear direction & are upset when the deliverable is not something for which you were looking.
- You do not do the necessary leg work internally to pass along information vital to the current & future success of your campaigns.
- You allow your offline agency to do things online that do not continue or build upon your current interactive efforts.
- You sacrifice long-term goals for short-term success.
- You do not pay your agency or media fees promptly.
The funny (or maybe sick) thing is; having experienced all of this, I still love what I do. And, at the end of the day, we still love our clients & working with them. We know most of this is not always your fault.
Heh. Sounds like what some freelance writers would like to say to their editors. And by they I mean me.
And by you saying that I think of me. Meaning me as a freelance writer.
Alas, I’ve experienced all 10 items on your list, and I too still love my work.
Although #5 in particular has at various times caused me to think fleetingly of joining my local Amish community before returning to an abject state of client love.
The first one cracks me up the most because, incidentally, we are paid to think & do so in the client’s best interest (unless the account people are idiots, then you’re screwed & are probably entitled to say these things). The rest is easy to manage; just takes longer to get where you need to be. Not good for those who lack patience.
I love hearing that this translates into other professions as well. Fight the power.