Business owners have two clear directions to take when they set out to make their mark: the easy way or the best way. There is a difference between quick and dirty vs. efficient, as well, so it is still possible to tow the line without wasted effort.
I see the garbage behind the scenes of hundreds of websites per year. The band-aids, the poorly adapted code from someone else, and outright stealing of code and designs. Some developers let the client shoot themselves in the foot, then right on up their leg until they hit a vital organ.
Some projects are done without any foresight about the ramifications of any decision along the way — until it all comes down like a house of cards. By the time I am brought in to fix a desperate situation, often the best thing to do is to start over, from the ground up. There is a better way; it’s called “the right way.”
Fundamentals are key to excelling in sports. Foundations are key to roadways and buildings. Running a business built to succeed and last for years, or even generations, are no exception. The decision has to be made as to who is the priority in the relationship: the owners and company or the customers and clients. When you find your groove and have your behaviors honed to second nature, there is no thinking involved. Soon, making tough decisions no longer hurts when your decision hurts you in the short-term.
I would posit that by treating clients how you would like to be treated, you are giving your business the best chance to succeed over the long haul. If you’re not serving your clients then they won’t love you. If they don’t love you, then they have no reason to choose to continue doing business with you.
Fundamentals and foundations.
“Do what you love in service of those who love what you do.” – Steve Farber
I know I’ve been guilty for “garbage behind the scenes”, but chalk it up to ignorance + learning curve as opposed to just doing lazy work.
I think you’re spot on about treating clients with “the golden rule.” Not only will they continue to do business with you, but they’ll refer others. 🙂
I love referral business – it’s an instant filter for client quality, too. My clients become my friends and they don’t want to send their friends a jerk.
I’ve found over the years that no matter how crappy the situation is, if you come clean as early as possible that there is a problem with the plan, your own situation with other work or family, quality clients are happy to oblige… up to a point. That’s The Golden Rule being reciprocated both directions and is the best way.