The Nature of the Business Meeting
Many people believe that graphic designers and web designers spend all their day in front of the computer banging out layouts and web sites. Because so much design work is now done on a computer, we are seen as somewhat nerdish people who never really see the light of day. Perhaps it is because I own my business and therefore need to do many of the 3 dimensional activities required in running a business, but this "chained to a computer" stereotype is so far from my world I sometimes wish I could lasso it and bring it on down.
Quiet days of designing in front of my Mac are joyous occasions. When I first started my business and needed to set up shop I did spend a good deal of time (often hours and hours) at the computer, but I also only had 2 clients and a sizable portion of free time to market online and create my own business website, portfolio, and business papers all waiting for the day when I might actually use them. Now a days, I have to pencil out days void of meetings and phone calls to be able to devote myself to the activity of design. I love those days. Sure sure...you say, but those business meetings are pretty important.
Now I'll grant you, some business meetings are pretty darn important. But honestly, how many meetings are really necessary and how many are really not? I believe the first meetings with a new client or team to hammer out the details of a project need to be conducted person to person. It's necessary. I will also say, my clients are all great people and I enjoy meeting and working with them and listening to what they are envisioning about a project. Meetings are also nice if you work at home. It gives you reason to get out into the 3d world and talk to real people. A certain amount of networking and marketing also need to be done in person and because I work with many artists it is important for me to venture out and visit their studios, attend openings, and see new work. But truth be told, I find many actual business meetings to be unproductive and not always necessary...especially when time and money can be saved by a communication sent via email, web cam...goodness even via the telephone.
Let me provide an example. Two weeks ago I had about 8 meetings in one week planned in my Filofax. On about Wednesday, a client who had been with me for many years sent an email and wanted his site updated. Just a few things. Swap out some photos. Update some text here and there. "Let's schedule a time to meet" was the request. At the time I was so crazy with work and meetings I just couldn't figure how on earth I'd find an additional 3 hours (oh yes...3 hours because by the time I drive there, meet, drive back...believe me, it's a solid 3 hours) to meet with this client. I also knew that with the holiday season so close (one of my busiest times of the year), there would not be another opportunity to meet until 2007!! I wrote to the client explaining my solidly booked schedule and suggested that perhaps there is no real reason to meet, "just send me the photos and the text and I'll update the site sections right from my office" Whoa...viola! The client sent the materials via email the next day, the site was updated and online the morning after. This saved the client money and me time and got the job done in less than 48 hours.
I think one of the wonderful things about being a designer (or business person) in the Internet age is the ability to work from anywhere on the planet. I've done work on my laptop while flying over the Atlantic. Checked email from MOMA. Had conference calls on the train. I've sent entire layouts and storyboards via email and made special presentations online so that my client can access the design work while he's vacationing in London. I have clients in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, NYC, Europe and right here locally. I have clients whom I never even met face to face and it has all worked out very well.
I learned a valuable lesson from the above shared example. While I realize that a client often hires the company they feel can meet their needs, they also hire the principal personality. Meeting with the principal is something they want, of course. Yet, sometimes a full fledged meeting, even when requested, is not in the best interest of the client and as their consultant it is my job to save them money, get the work done and suggest cost efficient alternatives. As the principal of a business, it is also my job to streamline my business schedule so as to enable all my clients to receive equal opportunity time and quality workmanship. Yes, it's a fine line to walk and one I encourage you to think carefully about. What do you think?
I agree that most meetings can be delt with by a simple email. This couldnt be farther from the truth. Yet I do feel a healthy amount of time dedicated to client feedback in the time alloted from proposal to proposal, shows the client you try to involve them in every step along the line.
I feel the more respected a client feels the more secure they feel with your work, and thus the less they will feel the need to watch your every move, in-return giving us even more freedom.
The feedback you gain through regular updates also lets the design organically grown through both the clients and your eyes.
Involving the client is a fundemental part of creating there design. They can look at your portfolio and make there decision on viewing your past work, but each client can also offer valuable insights into their company that can play a large part on influencing your design.
"TIME", how much do we give each client and how much do we give ourselves, its a fine line indeed.
Great Topic.
Thanks for your insight.
-Justin Snyder
Posted by: Justin Snyder | December 04, 2006 at 01:55 AM
I agree that most meetings can be delt with by a simple email. This couldnt be farther from the truth. Yet I do feel a healthy amount of time dedicated to client feedback in the time alloted from proposal to proposal, shows the client you try to involve them in every step along the line.
I feel the more respected a client feels the more secure they feel with your work, and thus the less they will feel the need to watch your every move, in-return giving us even more freedom.
The feedback you gain through regular updates also lets the design organically grown through both the clients and your eyes.
Involving the client is a fundemental part of creating there design. They can look at your portfolio and make there decision on viewing your past work, but each client can also offer valuable insights into their company that can play a large part on influencing your design.
"TIME", how much do we give each client and how much do we give ourselves, its a fine line indeed.
Great Topic.
Thanks for your insight.
-Justin Snyder
Posted by: Justin Snyder | December 04, 2006 at 01:57 AM
I agree that most meetings can be delt with by a simple email. This couldnt be farther from the truth. Yet I do feel a healthy amount of time dedicated to client feedback in the time alloted from proposal to proposal, shows the client you try to involve them in every step along the line.
I feel the more respected a client feels the more secure they feel with your work, and thus the less they will feel the need to watch your every move, in-return giving us even more freedom.
The feedback you gain through regular updates also lets the design organically grown through both the clients and your eyes.
Involving the client is a fundemental part of creating there design. They can look at your portfolio and make there decision on viewing your past work, but each client can also offer valuable insights into their company that can play a large part on influencing your design.
"TIME", how much do we give each client and how much do we give ourselves, its a fine line indeed.
Great Topic.
Thanks for your insight.
-Justin Snyder
Posted by: Justin Snyder | December 04, 2006 at 01:58 AM