DARE - Because Entrepreneurs Do

Yes, this is a topic worth thinking about. Don’t we all seek services from some provider some point in our business, mostly for activities that are not your core competency? Then, don’t we all cuss the provider for not doing the job as required. Have you stopped for a moment and thought that maybe the problem is not with them, but with you as a client? 

Being a good client is pretty much a ‘ask-yourself-first’ project. Here are some self-questionings that can help:

Sure it has been a long time and there is no pilot ready yet.
Have you been dillydallying about the basics? Make up your mind first!

Sure they messed it up. Does your ‘brief’ to the client explain each and every requirement clearly and in detail?

Sure you need it done fast. They are slacking!
Are you giving the provider at least the minimum time required to do it?

Sure the coordination is atrocious.
Do you have too many people coordinating a deal which requires only a few people involved?

Sure they are demanding more/extra monies.
Are you demanding for elements beyond the scope of the original deal?

They say the website/creative/etc looks just fine. It is not! Not on my computer.
Have you checked your system for problems? Please open the stuff on some other computer(s).

We had had 100 meetings and yet this is going nowhere!
Did you really need to call them over for those 100 meetings? You are wasting time, you know.

They just won’t listen to me!
Are you listening to what they have to say first? Keep the communications going both-ways – one at a time?

I do not understand why they won't talk to me directly?
Are you rude, angry, or frustrated in most of your conversations?

Many elements are missing. How many times do I need to mail them to get it done?
Have you provided them with all the resources that they need from your end?

I don’t like the grumpy faces they carry around!
When was the last time you appreciated them for any work done?

I appreciate them all the time. They still are grumpy all the time!
Are you paying them on time? :)