Comments on: Chasing the Client Relationship

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 12:09:11 +0000

That is exactly the goal, Ashley! Yes, mistakes happen. It's how we handle them that defines the relationship. You're fortunate, too. You have good editors who know how to behave like professionals.

I remember writing a series of articles, all due within two weeks, for two sister publications. So when I wrote one article slanted toward the wrong magazine, I had to fix it fast. I worked the weekend and got it done right. The editor was happy, and I felt I'd done the right thing. It's about their satisfaction, isn't it?

By: Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 20:03:32 +0000

Love this post, Lori. And you're exactly right about building relationships. It pays off, especially when there's a misunderstanding. Recently I mis-read an assignment from an editor I've been working with for a long time. I had to start again, almost from scratch, but the editor was understanding because we'd built a good working relationship over the past year or so. I'd already given him good work and had been receptive to past feedback, so it worked out fine, and I've already gotten more assignments from him. Had we not had a solid relationship already, it might have been the last time I worked with that editor.

Another situation happened more recently. I didn't completely miss the mark, but I had to do some pretty heavy edits, and this was for a brand new client. But I welcomed the feedback and make sure I focused on getting the job done right, not the hours I was putting into the work. The editor was pleased with the outcome. I think we'll work together again. And that's the ultimate goal, isn't it? Focus on the client's needs, and they will come back. Focus on myself, and the clients will find someone else. It's that simple.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:47:05 +0000

We do, Cathy! Maybe we think it's too much work?

The health care field could learn a lot from sales, couldn't they? I've seen it in the TPA world, which ironically is the one the insurers tend to trust and the one they shouldn't trust. The waste is sinful.

Glad you liked that -- it's true. The more you build the bridge, the more you'll see traffic coming toward you, as you well know. :)

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:05:02 +0000

Such a simple concept, Lori, that we make so complex, huh? ;-) Like your analogy of the broker and your dad to writers, any business is about good relationships. It's that point that has frustrated the heck out of me about health care.

I have often asked, how many businesses that need a partner to deliver their product to their customers go out of their way to battle and undermine that partner? Yet that's what we have with health providers and insurance companies and other payers. They need each other to deliver care in order to be successful. Providers with a sufficient patient pool to keep their practice/health systems going. And insurers/payers to sell their health plans.

I love Invest in conversation, Lori. Spot on. :-)