Why Graphic Designers & Clients Are Like Lovers

Making someone happy and satisfying his or her physical and emotional needs is a huge part of running a successful graphic design business. This might sound like an awkward comparison but in reality, graphic designers need to treat clients like lovers. There might be sparks in the beginning, but you want to do something to keep things lively throughout the lifespan of the relationship. Be careful that your clients don’t start looking to have their needs met elsewhere.

In any relationship, both parties should feel valued. Both parties should be getting something valuable from the interaction and hopefully building trust. If you, the graphic designer, don’t feel you are building a strong working relationship these hot tips for lovers may help.

To get a lover you need more than a pick up line.

Um, what are you talking about? You may have been told by some marketing guru that it’s all about the position statement or the elevator pitch or your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) Yes, it’s true we are all selling something, however, not taking it further than that will make you sound cheap. Find out what the potential lover is looking for. Sometimes it’s our personality, sometimes it the looks, sometimes it’s all about the performance. In any case the pressure is on us to make a great first impression and a strong connection. Once you have a strong connection you can explore a more in depth relationship together. As graphic designers we often work with branding. Consider your personal branding and what makes you attractive. Know your strengths and weaknesses and how to use them to your advantage. Not everyone will be attracted and responsive to you and what you have to offer. Just remember, there are plenty more fish in the sea.

Be confidant in who you are.

You can’t walk up to someone and give him or her some awkward, tired or unsure line. You have to be sure of yourself. If you are not confident in yourself and who you are, how on earth will anyone else be?

You must make time for them.

When will you be finished? This is a line you probably hear all of the time as a business owner and a lover. Don’t over-commit and under-deliver when it comes to your time. Some lovers want all your time and don’t understand that you have to do other things like work or spend time with other people. Set up clear boundaries to make sure that you are giving them enough time to keep them satisfied while being able to fit everything else into your busy schedule.

You need open and healthy communication.

Often in relationships there are little mix-ups in communications that can cause a lot of chaos and arguing. Open lines of communication can help clear these up and create a relationship that withstands the miscommunications.

Always deal with these concerns calmly and talk about what they feel you haven’t properly addressed. The fact that you are willing to step in and make sure their needs are taken care of will lighten their worries immediately.

You should be thinking about the future.

What now? This is probably something your lover is asking himself or herself right now. You should be too. Based on the events up until now, where do you want to take the relationship next? Is this forever? Is this what you want? You need to know who you are in a relationship and what you are both bringing to the table in order to move forward to creating something more.

Relationships need nurturing from all sides. A relationship will only succeed if given the attention that it needs.

Graphic Design Melbourne expert, Wes Towers has many years experience working with branding. His company, Omnific Design has successfully worked with a number of large and small businesses. For more information and resources visit www.omnificdesign.com.au