How To Be A Good Client

Too often when we're on the client-side of a transaction, we think, "It's their job to please me," and we kick up our feet and wait to see what we get. True, it is a vendor's job to please clients; and sure, in a handful of situations, you can go to a business and simply give them your money and get what you want without much effort on your part. In the store design and build out business, however, the process is a little more involved than that.

I've mentioned Seth Godin's blog here before and today he makes it again with this post titled "How to be a great client." Every one of the points he makes fits the client-designer (or build out professional) dynamic. Two highlights:

• Hire the right person. You'll get the most from and client-designer relationship if you take the time to find a partner who believes in the project as much as you do.
• Be honest about resources. One of the first things we'll ask about is budget. We can design an elaborate masterpiece, but if you can't afford it, then we're back at square one.

Remember, we do our best work when we work with you, not just for you.