I was walking down 39th Street at Sixth Avenue in New York City yesterday and saw an inspiring sign through the window of a real estate office. It showed a person with the word “MEAN” written on their chest. A big red circle with a line ran around and through them. Underneath, there were the words, “NO MEAN CLIENTS”.
I ♥️ this sign. And here’s why…
Lately, I’ve changed my website strap-line to “Whatever you need, I’ve got you covered.”
It replaces the words, “You talk, I write, everybody loves it. We win!”
As a former journalist, I began my consulting practice with specialized work focused on written storytelling. But since then, my clients have inevitably broadened their requirements as they’ve come to trust my judgment in more areas. More fool them, I suppose. Lol. Kidding.
They still ask for my advice on how to get more sympathetic press coverage, yes. But often, that conversation has logically extended into considering what else it takes to win. And then you might ask yourself: What is it you’re trying to win? And: What does winning even mean?
It’s like that Talking Heads song…and you may find yourself…
Places I’ve found myself recently include: Coaching folks on how to respond to hostile audiences; Helping them decide where to focus their campaigning efforts over the next three years; Thinking about how to directly engage with elected officials on legislation; Helping my clients think through what the point is of their work, more broadly.
I enjoy delving into the complexity. It’s where so much of the joy is. And so much of the intrigue in life. When you’re working as a thought partner like this with a client, it’s so important that they’re nice people. That they’re prepared to enjoy the process and extend a degree of grace. That they’re nourishing company.
On the other hand? No mean clients!
If you’re focused on going deep with people, then it’s a good idea to decline working with other people who are going to mess with your head. Life’s too short for that nonsense. So.
YES, GREAT CLIENTS!
That’s a sign I’d love to see on Sixth Avenue, someday, soon. Likewise, I’m a realist. And this was midtown, in the pandemic. So: Well done, them. It made my day.
