09/11/2023
For years all I have heard is the myth of the perfect client
In these stories, clients are eager to buy whatever you’re selling. They have tons of money to spend and they say yes a whole lot. Most importantly, they never require you get outside of your comfort zone. Ever.
Now personally, I’ve never met one of these perfect clients. And that’s okay. I like my clients. But a whole lot of people in our industry must believe these perfect clients exist somewhere. How else can you explain the sheer lack of flexibility out there?
Here in reality, clients face tough problems that need smart solutions. These clients come with a unique set of challenges. Things that don’t fit neatly into any category or have easy off-the-rack solutions.
Our clients face issues they can’t figure out. That’s why they come to us. So, I’m always surprised by how many people & companies in our business get upset when things get tough. We get selfish. And think only about the quick score and the easiest road to our own enrichment or that of our investors.
Most stuff, especially the work that really matters… it just doesn’t fit into the easy box. And yet, so many providers won’t tread outside of their tiny comfort zone. They’re selling one specific way of doing business, one answer… and they’re out there hunting for the client that fits it in every way. Or forcing clients to work within their limitations. They’re searching for that Perfect Client.
But really, it should be the other way around. You have clients. And you work hard to align with them, their culture, their processes, working towards becoming a true partner and doing whatever it takes. Our main purpose has always been… to find our clients the solutions they need. Not the solutions we want to sell them!
Look, I’m not saying you shouldn’t look for clients that are a good fit for your organization. I’m saying that there are many more perfect clients out there. If you’re willing to align as a true extension of their business and be willing to invest in relationship.
Time to embrace reality a little bit more. Understand the world is a messy & complicated place. That’s the beauty of it. We’re here because of the chaos. We help our clients navigate the rough & tumble world of business so they can do a better job of what they do best.
So, let’s all be more flexible. Let’s work with others more, even if it doesn’t check all the boxes we were hoping for.
Funny thing is, the more you work with people, the more you focus on your client’s success…
That’s the moment when success also finds you.
www.jtrlogistics.com
