Listen, we’re no strangers to this business. You all know the rules, and so do I. A full commitment is what today’s clients are thinking of. You need to ask yourself: could they get this from any other guy?
Look. I just want to tell you how I’m feeling. I’ve gotta make you understand this one thing. Rick Astley knows a hell of a lot about more about being successful than you or I could ever imagine. He knows the game, and he’s gonna play it. Here’s what you can learn from him.
Never give up on your clients.
Even when the going gets tough, it usually doesn’t make sense to completely forfeit the business relationship. Try to end things peacefully if you can, and always be a resource for your clients in the future. I know it’s easier said than done. Even if a client hasn’t paid or is somewhat angry with you for whatever reason, don’t consider the book entirely closed. People cool down. Things get better. You never know what’s around the corner.
Never let them down.
Give every project your best shot. Don’t be late in delivering anything unless it is a complete and total emergency you can’t control. The day I get a project, I start on it right away because I know I’ll have a bunch of questions. This is the mindset you need to cultivate. Only deliver your best work, and always follow through on your word. Commit.
Never run around.
How focused are you? Do you answer all of your emails right away, or do you let things go for a few days before you finally get to them? People don’t like long lags in response time. While you’re running around doing other things, your clients are thinking about getting someone else. Be like Rick. Stick around, ask questions, and get the work done.
Never desert your clients.
O.K. I admit that this is pretty much the same advice as the first point. But I’ve done this before, and the consequences are never good. No matter how stressed you get, no matter how angry you are at someone, don’t just up and leave a project in the middle of the heat. It’s all too easy, and it solves nothing. Not to mention, word gets around when this sort of thing happens. You don’t want to be “that guy” or “that girl.”
Never make them cry.
Tears of joy are okay.
Never say goodbye.
“Final” is never final. You really don’t know who you will run into the future, nor in what capacity. People change. Businesses morph into something else. The person you politely told to screw off could come back to bite you later on in life. It’s awesome to move on to bigger and better things (as Rick Astley did when he gave up his music career). You’ve just gotta do it the right way. Always keep a door open.
Never tell a lie.
It’s all too convenient to say you can’t deliver on time for whatever made up reason. Nobody will believe you, and you’ll just get branded as a liar. Another common one is lying about your experience. It impresses nobody, and it makes you look like a fool. Be straight up. Tell ‘em how you’re feeling. Make ‘em understand that you’re the best candidate for the job (even though your heart is aching, and you are too shy to say it).
Never hurt them.
That is, unless you want the police breaking down your door at 4 A.M. with a warrant for your arrest.
Sage advice from the one and only Rick. You have to admit there’s a power you just can’t deny. Follow Mr. Astley’s advice, and you and your clients will be together forever.