Funny or frustrating? Brian Easter writes in iMedia Connection about five client types that he says can be funny and frustrating. He’s coming at this from the ad agency side, but every business has certain client types that pop up over and over. Chances are you run into some of these same types, especially when you’re trying to develop creative ads after the sale.
- Bad Idea Guy – This client is disconnected from his audience – maybe he’s forgotten who he’s really talking to. He speaks in industry jargon, he loves boring ad copy and dysfunctional websites. He may have lots of industry knowledge, but not much advertising know-how, and wants things the way he wants them “because I said so.”
- Never Satisfied - This client can be the most frustrating – he’s never happy even with ad success. Easter writes that when this client calls, coworkers all say “not me, not me, tell them I’m not here.” A never satisfied client will downplay any success a campaign generates and has ignorant expectations.
- Illogical – While most people understand the importance of logic, there are clients who don’t rely on it. This client type says things like “I can’t describe it really…but I want it to be like that” and your well thought-out and well designed ad goes out the window.
Like Easter said, with some clients all you can do is put your head down and power through. Sometimes you have to give a client what they want, even if it’s against your best judgment. Hopefully – at the very least – these frustrating clients will give you stories you can laugh at someday.
Read all five client types plus some actual things Easter has heard from clients over the years at iMediaConnection.com. And tell us in the comments if you’ve encountered any of these clients – or any other funny and frustrating types.
Wednesday, Jun 9, 2010
Michelle OBrien