What the customer needs
I had a meeting earlier this week with a new prospect. About half way through our meeting where I was listening to what her needs, likes, dislikes, and “wish list” items were, she stopped and proceeded to tell me about another designer she had called about her project. When she had tried to schedule a time for the designer to come meet with her just as I was doing, the designer said, “Oh, you don’t tell me what you want, I tell you what you need.” Obviously, that didn’t set well with my prospect, thus my being there. How can anyone meet or exceed their client’s expectations if they have no understanding of what the client’s needs are? Obviously, I don’t think they can! This is why I spend so much time upfront listening to my clients before ever opening my mouth. I’ve sometimes been accused of being too quiet because I don’t say much when I first meet someone. I’d much rather listen and learn about the person I’m meeting for the first time. Later, they all learn I don’t have any problems talking! lol For me, the only way I can be successful is to provide my clients with a design that solves their problems, incorporates their likes and dislikes, and does so in an attractive and well put together package, and this only comes from listening.
