Comments on: Putting the Wow in Your Business

By: Lori

Lori — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 15:46:31 +0000

Fantastic advice, xacerb8. On both counts.

Right you are, Jill. Thank you goes a very long way.

Thanks for letting us know about the forecast, Jake! I'll be over to visit.

Paula, I think extending beyond our work humanizes us and gives clients a better sense of who we are.

Wendy, you and I need to talk fishing, too. :) And I believe we have one other fisher person here. :)

By: xacerb8

xacerb8 — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 19:49:27 +0000

Treat the receptionist with as much respect as you would the vice-president. And don't assume that someone with a big, important title wants to be treated like the Pope.

Being nice may be under-rated, but I know that not only do my clients value my work, they also like working with me.

By: Jill

Jill — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 02:23:17 +0000

My last two blog posts were about wowing prospective clients by sharing knowledge and resources with them.

As for wowing existing clients, I like to take Cathy's approach (though I don't give gifts). Saying thank you and being gracious and polite never hurts.

By: Jake P

Jake P — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:53:20 +0000

Thanks for the link-love, Lori! Crazy day (crazy week, for that matter) here in my little corner of the universe...just coming up for air. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

FYI, the links to the Freelance Forecast 2011 surveys will be posted shortly. Feedback welcome!

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:08:22 +0000

Running with Wendy's example, one of my editors likes to hear about my cooking and baking. This time of year I think she really wishes we were in the same town.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:30:01 +0000

One of my local clients can be sweetened up pretty easily if I walk in for a meeting wearing a MN Viking cap. You should see the man's face light up.

Or we could talk about fishing. Kind of a buddy to buddy thing, I guess.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:50:58 +0000

Wow, you guys are impressive! I'd sure hire you.

Cathy, you're right. Rare is the "thank you again for your business, and let me know if I can be of further assistance" note. And really, how hard is it?

Devon, you've said it! It's about THEM, not us. Amen.

Great point of view, Paula. Honesty AND the "every person" view - I love it!

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:14:16 +0000

Considering I deal with a lot of editors long since jaded by a constant stream of faux sincerity from studio publicists, celebrity handlers and wannabe writers who fawn over said celebs, I think I offer my editors honesty tinged with an "every person" point of view that helps them better connect with their readers.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:58:36 +0000

Love it, Devon!

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:43:03 +0000

Melding my unique/quirky/odd way of viewing the world with the information they need presented so it goes out there in a unique, memorable way that is very much THEM and stands out in a positive way.