Has anyone ever experienced this type off communication breakdown with a client? and how do you break the cycle without shooting the client?
Me: I need a general description of what services you offer for vaults to put next to the slide show (please refer to the bank equipment page for an example)
client: let me send you detailed product info on each product in slide show plus pictures.
me: I dont need pictures or detailed product info since we are not featuring each product - just a general “blurb” about american vaults and what services you offer… custom order / design of vaults to fit your needs… please call xyz to get more info and to place your order…
client: damn this sucks sending all this detailed info since I already sent it.
me: I dont need that just a general description of vault services available - please look at xyz page for an example…
client… can you send me an example…
I think a lot of people will have similar stories and share your
frustration. Maybe you just need a cathartic release from your frustration.
I would advise a different approach. Create the material you need yourself.
You may not think that you understand the client’s operation well enough,
or that somehow it’s not your responsibility to create those materials, but
I disagree. If you can’t understand what the client’s needs are or who is
responsible for meeting them then I think you need to seriously reconsider
your vocation.
Too harsh? Don’t take it personally… I’m just trying to shake your
awareness a little so you can consider that you may be the one needed to
find an answer, not your client. Understand I am not advocating banning the
client from having a role in the creative process – I’m just saying that
process is yours, and you should own it.
Of course, make sure they approve of what you make.
If you really think you are a terrible writer, then hire a copywriter. Just
as if you would a photographer or illustrator or layout artist. Or a code
monkey for that matter. That is how agencies and reputations are made.
All the best…
Ernie Simpson
On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 7:13 PM, Julie Maxwell email@hidden wrote:
Has anyone ever experienced this type off communication breakdown with a
client? and how do you break the cycle without shooting the client?
Thank you for your words. I do understand and agree. Most customers I bend over backwards to do all info gathering etc…
With this particular one it’s trying to even get out of him what services he offers w the vaults … And other products… I ask and I get pictures not explanations of how people order through him does he install? Etc…
He sells ATMs I know that … The other equipment he is a rep for those companies but does he handle the custom orders? Design?
If I knew he did xyz I think I can work on it but I don’t know an cant get a straight answer from him regarding his services
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 23, 2012, at 20:09, Ernie Simpson email@hidden wrote:
I think a lot of people will have similar stories and share your
frustration. Maybe you just need a cathartic release from your frustration.
I would advise a different approach. Create the material you need yourself.
You may not think that you understand the client’s operation well enough,
or that somehow it’s not your responsibility to create those materials, but
I disagree. If you can’t understand what the client’s needs are or who is
responsible for meeting them then I think you need to seriously reconsider
your vocation.
Too harsh? Don’t take it personally… I’m just trying to shake your
awareness a little so you can consider that you may be the one needed to
find an answer, not your client. Understand I am not advocating banning the
client from having a role in the creative process – I’m just saying that
process is yours, and you should own it.
Of course, make sure they approve of what you make.
If you really think you are a terrible writer, then hire a copywriter. Just
as if you would a photographer or illustrator or layout artist. Or a code
monkey for that matter. That is how agencies and reputations are made.
All the best…
Ernie Simpson
On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 7:13 PM, Julie Maxwell email@hidden wrote:
Has anyone ever experienced this type off communication breakdown with a
client? and how do you break the cycle without shooting the client?
He can even just giver an outline and I will write it … Something
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 23, 2012, at 20:09, Ernie Simpson email@hidden wrote:
I think a lot of people will have similar stories and share your
frustration. Maybe you just need a cathartic release from your frustration.
I would advise a different approach. Create the material you need yourself.
You may not think that you understand the client’s operation well enough,
or that somehow it’s not your responsibility to create those materials, but
I disagree. If you can’t understand what the client’s needs are or who is
responsible for meeting them then I think you need to seriously reconsider
your vocation.
Too harsh? Don’t take it personally… I’m just trying to shake your
awareness a little so you can consider that you may be the one needed to
find an answer, not your client. Understand I am not advocating banning the
client from having a role in the creative process – I’m just saying that
process is yours, and you should own it.
Of course, make sure they approve of what you make.
If you really think you are a terrible writer, then hire a copywriter. Just
as if you would a photographer or illustrator or layout artist. Or a code
monkey for that matter. That is how agencies and reputations are made.
All the best…
Ernie Simpson
On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 7:13 PM, Julie Maxwell email@hidden wrote:
Has anyone ever experienced this type off communication breakdown with a
client? and how do you break the cycle without shooting the client?
I know, and I admit some situations are less than ideal. You sound like you
have a vision for your client – and he is what is keeping you from doing
your best work. Our patrons are not always our best partners, are they?
Best wishes,
Ernie Simpson
On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 8:20 PM, Julie Maxwell Allen email@hiddenwrote:
He can even just giver an outline and I will write it … Something
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 23, 2012, at 20:09, Ernie Simpson email@hidden wrote:
I think a lot of people will have similar stories and share your
frustration. Maybe you just need a cathartic release from your
frustration.
I would advise a different approach. Create the material you need
yourself.
You may not think that you understand the client’s operation well enough,
or that somehow it’s not your responsibility to create those materials,
but
I disagree. If you can’t understand what the client’s needs are or who is
responsible for meeting them then I think you need to seriously
reconsider
your vocation.
Too harsh? Don’t take it personally… I’m just trying to shake your
awareness a little so you can consider that you may be the one needed to
find an answer, not your client. Understand I am not advocating banning
the
client from having a role in the creative process – I’m just saying that
process is yours, and you should own it.
Of course, make sure they approve of what you make.
If you really think you are a terrible writer, then hire a copywriter.
Just
as if you would a photographer or illustrator or layout artist. Or a code
monkey for that matter. That is how agencies and reputations are made.
All the best…
Ernie Simpson
On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 7:13 PM, Julie Maxwell email@hidden
wrote:
Has anyone ever experienced this type off communication breakdown with a
client? and how do you break the cycle without shooting the client?
Julie, when I’ve had situations like this before it’s normally ended up that I make up what I think is correct and the client then amends it. Some people see it easier to change something that is wrong rather than give the information afresh (and it makes them feel like they are then in charge of the job).
Trev
On 24 Aug 2012, at 01:09, Ernie Simpson wrote:
On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 7:13 PM, Julie Maxwell email@hidden wrote:
Has anyone ever experienced this type off communication breakdown with a
client? and how do you break the cycle without shooting the client?
Client: So we need you to design 3 different options for the website and it needs to be designed in HTML and CSS.
ME: OK, but if I’m just designing it, what do you need me to do with the HTML and CSS? Am I designing and developing the site?
Client: Just designing it, what’s the problem?
ME: Well, if I am designing it, why do you need me to use HTML or CSS? I can develop the site too if that’s what you’re asking?
Client: NO! You’re not listening! You’re JUST designing the page, but we need it to be designed in CSS and HTML so it can be developed by ( developer’s name ) for our website.
ME: I don’t think you understand what HTML and CSS is.
I have had two clients this week that were candidates for Clients From Hell. But a quick email got them back on track again.
Having wireframes and copywriting developed before the design process helps a lot in getting the client focused on the content and less on the look and feel. Once you have solid content the design process becomes less frustrating and I have found I can actually get through the site building phase a lot faster with fewer changes and edits. Good content will help to drive the creative process.
