Compliments Count

We all like to be complimented. Usually, as a MM and the one being paid, we're hoping to have our work affirmed by the one paying for it (our clients). We want to prove to our clients that we're worth what they're paying and hunting for that compliment that proves that they feel the same way.

This is backward...isn't it?

Shouldn't we be focused on complimenting the great work that our clients do in their business practices, the creative problem-solving techniques they employ, etc?

I accidentally saw this play out the other week. I was talking to a client about their competitive advantage and, in a sincere reaction to that advantage, noted how impressed I was with the job they do and their approach to that job. I could tell it made an impact. I've seen that relationship continue to grow and trust continue to develop much faster than is typical.

Its easy to try this when you're "selling" something or trying to impress. Stop that crap and just be sincere. If you don't have any sincere compliments, don't offer any. Even so, odds are you can find at least one honest fact about your client and what they do that you can offer a true compliment about.

Stop focusing on hearing how great you are and get out there and talk to your client about how great they are (that goes for me too).