Michael Roller

Consultants: Up To Eleven

A few years ago, I once asked a friend for some insight as to why his company had been so consistently successful. He said, “We always overdeliver.”

Photographer Chase Jarvis just posted a similar piece of advice on his blog:

In my experience, the art director, creative director, the photo editor people–whoever are that people that hire you to create pictures–are exactly the same. If you continue to deliver the expected and nothing new, they get bored. Sure they’re safe in part – it’s why they have a job – but they’re perhaps a little bored. And they might be bored by you. And in the creative world, boredom equals death.

I’m glad Chase reminded me of this (and to Finn McKenty for sending it along). It’s easy to get caught up in meeting expectations, especially for your biggest clients. The truth is your best clients want you to exceed expectations, and they deserve it more than anyone else.

So if you’re planning to push for your new clients, and you need to push for your existing clients, then it simply adds up: always overdeliver.

Tags: consulting

1 Comment to Consultants: Up To Eleven

1. 

   I would also add this:
   Always overdeliver AND underpromise.
Barbi Jones on March 31st, 2009

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