What Makes a Client Good or Bad? - Our Experience Working with Steadfast

If you are in the service business, you know what it is like to start a relationship with a new client. The Zoom call begins, introductions are made, and immediately you look for clues. Are we working with one of the “good” clients, or is this going to be a challenge? With a little experience, you can tell pretty quickly if things are going to go smoothly, or if there are red flags on the horizon. 

When my company, Re:animation, started working with Steadfast on an animation project, we knew right away that they were going to be one of the good ones.

But how did we know? What made working with Tim Monner and the rest of the group such a pleasure? Well, in addition to just being intelligent, friendly people, there were three distinct characteristics that made the difference.

1. Mindset
2. Collaboration
3. Application

Let’s take a look at each and see what made this an enjoyable – and productive – process.

Watch the Final Video on Our YouTube Channel.

Mindset

First and most importantly, Steadfast came into the meetings with an open mind, letting the creativity flow from both sides. While everyone certainly had their own unique ideas and opinions, nothing was so “set in stone” that we could not work to make it better, or consider alternatives. It was clear from the beginning that Steadfast was genuinely interested in what we had to say, and curious to see our ideas.

In contrast, all too often clients have a vision in their mind, and no amount of reasoning, tweaking or cajoling can get them off that one idea. When that happens, creativity dies, and what could have been a fun, innovative project turns into a boring slog that results in very mundane work.

Collaboration

The second characteristic that Steadfast brought to the table was a true desire to collaborate. They were going to be active – not passive – participants, bringing their time, talent and attention to the project. 

This was not going to be a case of Re:animation pitching ideas while the folks at Steadfast sat back, arms crossed, waiting for us to do all of the heavy lifting. Instead, from the very first introductions, there was free flowing, creative collaborations with all voices heard and all ideas considered. 

Application

Finally, Steadfast was able to immediately apply the work to a specific need, which clarified and focused the effort. 

Too often a fun, creative idea takes on a life of its own without any real purpose. You become focused on what you could do, rather than what would impact the business. 

In this case, Steadfast shared that they were looking for a great closing animation to a promotional video they had in progress. And with that clear direction, and specific application, we were able to make decisive decisions with the final the animation.

Summary

What’s the lesson here? It’s simple. If you want to work with great clients, look for these three characteristics. 

1. Does the client have an open mind? 
2. Does the client have an attitude of collaboration? 
3. Does the client have a specific need to work toward? 

If the answer to all three of these questions is YES, then great! You found a good one and can proceed with confidence.

If not, be careful! The job may turn into far more pain than the time and money is worth. I suggest you wish client well, pass along the number of a competitor for them to contact, and send them on their way.

To wrap up I would like to thank Steadfast for the opportunity to share, and for being the perfect example of the type of people we love working with.

About the Author

Guest contributor Kevin Franz is one of the founders of Re:animation, a Chicago-based video and animation company, specializing in 3D motion graphics and virtual reality experiences. Along with co-founder and chief designer, Brendan Brown, Re:animation creates stunning – and effective – technical product videos and educational resources. For more information visit www.Reanimationvideo.com, or contact info@reanimationvideo.com.