What Constitutes A Good Client?

As I have mentioned before here on Career Hub, from time to time, I get asked some pretty interesting questions...take this one, for example, that I was asked a couple of weeks ago:

What makes a good client?

While I answered the question, I felt my answer left something to be desired, so I have been thinking about that question since. Here's what I've come up with so far...would love to hear what you have to say, regardless of your line of work.

A great client is...

~ someone who keeps their appointment.

~ someone who arrives on time, not 20 minutes early, nor 20 minutes late.

~ someone who is well-prepared to tackle career matters.

~ someone who is receptive to learning.

~ someone who does not fold their arms when you are sharing information. :)

~ someone who smiles at you and makes you feel comfortable in your own space.

~ someone who appreciates your commitment to them.

~ someone who is willing to do their homework.

~ someone who is willing to do their homework and honors their word in getting back to you when they say they will.

~ someone who has a great attitude.

~ someone who entrusts you to uphold the highest standards of service delivery excellence on their behalf.

~ someone who doesn't blame others for their plight.

~ someone who will refer you if you have done a stellar job for them.

~ someone who gladly pays your fee without quibbling, fussing about it.

~ someone who might become your very best friend.

~ someone who is willing to invest a fair and reasonable amount of time and money in their career management success.

~ someone who doesn't reschedule / cancel on you minutes before your designated appointment time.

~ someone who has done their due diligence and knows the value you deliver.

~ someone who asks questions of clarification.

~ someone who asks good questions to help them better understand and learn.

~ someone who is willing to pay it forward and share their knowledge.

~ someone who is willing to do the relentless hard work of looking for new employment without making excuses for how bad this or that is.

~ someone who makes you feel that what you do really does make a difference.

~ someone who 'gets it'.

~ someone whose respect you hope to earn.

~ someone who is enjoyable to work with and not a pain in the backside.

~ someone who will trust you to guide them on a path of continued success, and / or someone who will be open to possibilities, ideas and course corrections.

~ someone who affirms your thinking that you are doing what you were called to do.

~ someone who adds value to the client / service provider 'partnership'.

~ someone who won't hesitate to share with you what they like, what they don't about your work and you are grateful for that.

~ someone who you want to run to, not from, in aisle 14 of the grocery store.

~ someone who takes the time to say thank you.

~ someone you will remember for a long, long time.

These are a few ideas about 'what constitutes a good client'. What do you think makes a good client?

Comments

[twitter.com/theresumechick]

Some one who values your work enough that they send referrals your way every chance they get (without expecting anything in return).

Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter if you need me)

[Jen Costello]

Someone who is realistic about their strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
Someone who is honest with you because you've made them feel they can be.
Someone who understands that you are not there to place them in a job, but to give them the tools necessary for success in the job search and their career.

[billiesucher]

twitter.com/theresumechick - excellent one -- many thanks!
I'll watch for your tweets on #Twitter.

Jen Costello -- three outstanding points you make -- very much appreciated!

[Sital]

Someone with:

- a good network of friends, contacts and colleagues (...to help accelerate their own progress and be source of potential client referrals)

- an open mind and willingness to unlearn and re-learn

- an exceptional track record, yet still totally down to earth and humble

- a sense of humour and perspective

[billiesucher]

Sital!

So happy to read your comments! Thank you! I have SOOOOO missed your posts here on Career Hub!!!!!!! Happy Fourth of July!

[Sital]

Thanks Billie, great post

I haven't written anything in weeks (...busy with the above-type clients!).

But have an article I'm posting later today - so keep a look out.

Happy 4th July weekend!

Sital

P.S. And, of course, happy Canada Day to all the Canadians today!

[Jason Webb]

This is a great business advice article. It covers all the aspects, I am thinking to relocate my business soon using a professional company and seeking new challenges for better success.
Thanks and Regards/-
Jason Webb

[billiesucher]

Thank y o u for reading Career Hub.