For me, one of the key things that has helped me to find great clients and build a business has been finding like-hearted people to work with and for. It goes deeper than being like-minded.
Let me explain…Like-hearted people value purpose as they are thinking about it. When we work together, we are aligned to ensure that purpose is fulfilled.
We have recently launched a new brand for Paralign, a company operating in the space of parking tech. Working with them, and spending time building their narrative inspires and impresses me because I value working with great people. This company is on a mission to disrupt the status quo when many would simply take it for granted.
We recently returned home from our brand video shoot at their headquarters and are now deep in the mix of editing for the parking world’s IPMI conference at the beginning of June (8-11). The whole team are involved and excited by this collaboration and we’ll be revealing Paralign to the world via a screen near you over the coming weeks!
Finding great clients…
Great clients are ultimately great people and it makes such a difference to work for them.
In the past, I used to try and win over difficult clients with limited success. I learned a valuable lesson, to ask more questions and to ALWAYS do a workshop! My biggest mistakes came when we tried to short-cut our process and you could guarantee that frustration would be the result.
When we follow our process with clients who are aligned with us, the results are special. Our playbook is the entry point which creates long-lasting working relationships that propel businesses forward.
So, how do you find great clients who become your favourites to work with?
One –
You enjoy your time with them.
Sounds crazy, but enjoying the journey is a massive part of success. Working together should be exciting and fun. Work can be enjoyed rather than endured.
Two –
They handle their relationships well.
Those who always have lots to say about everyone else’s shortcomings are often the source of the problem themselves. When they have moved on, tried to steal our clients and been exposed (they always will get found out in the end) it validates the sense we had of things being slightly off.
Three –
They are positive people.
Underrated. They want to get things done and give positive feedback. Generally, positive people win. Life is too short for negativity and if something has gone less than well, commit to making a plan to make a swift fix. Positive people aren’t looking to throw other people under the bus but they see the good in others and walk with them to go for “great”.
Four –
Our values are shared.
Values make the journey valuable. If your values don’t align, run. Literally. I cannot express this enough. Changing other people’s value sets isn’t your job. Your job is to find the right fit for your business values. Alignment for the assignment.
Five –
They love your team.
We have an incredible team. They are wonderful humans and they go the extra mile. Often. When they get disrespected it’s a major red flag to me. I know my team. They are awesome and will always help. They are in demand and working with them is a privilege. Great clients love our team.
Six –
They are family-oriented.
People who think about purpose think generationally. They do business for impact and ultimately for the right reasons. Family is something that they love and value. For me, family is everything, and for many of our clients too. When you love your family, life just works better.
Seven –
They value peace over price.
The cheapest people tend to have the least values. Generous people are the opposite. When people don’t see your value, don’t try to prove your worth, work with those who understand your worth. The serial hagglers always cost you way more than you are willing to pay, (ie. your peace). Having worked with hundreds of leaders, I know that the ones that spend the least tend to create the largest problems. Stick to your value. You are worth it!
Eight –
Always ready to learn.
Both sides need to be willing to learn new things. When clients want to grow they want a partner to grow with them. We have helped ou clients’ internal teams grow as well as our own, and the secret sauce has been that we are both prepared to take risks, invest and learn from each other.
Nine –
They invest beyond.
What else needs to be done so that the client can make an even greater impact? Video? Video has become one of the most effective and impactful tools for us to wield on our clients’ behalf. Our podcast offering has helped us to bring a fresh voice to many a CEO and MD looking to establish their brand authority. Marketing evolves and so does your audience and continually thinking of ways to improve helps both parties maximize future opportunities.
Ten –
They become partners rather than just clients
We always see the people we work with as partners and we have referred them on as well as having been referred often. These relationships are some of the best things we have. We are now well-networked and have contacts all over the globe. For us, it is an incredible thing to be able to help all our clients increase revenue, reach and resources. As a result, we have grown our business, gained some incredible staff, and created a collaborative environment to thrive together.
Like-heartedness brings with it an advantage that creates the highest value: Like-hearted people are the glue to building big. With great people, everyone wins.