The customer is not always right...but they are always the customer.
It happens from time to time that the client is doing it wrong. Incomplete marketing plan, poor messaging, weak long-term vision, inconsistent brand or no brand at all, no discernable timeline and an uncanny ability to crush any design that may be attractive.
It’s enough drama to make you drink or discontinue the business relationship. I have found a simpler solution.
Set up your client to succeed.
It’s mental as well as how you relate to the client. Become the consultant, present a strong design solution, do everything within your power to create a stronger message. Hand it all to them, and let it go (that’s the hard part). It’s no longer your idea, it is theirs and it is theirs to screw up.
A few things will happen:
Since you do not consider it your design anymore, you have disconnected. You will sleep easier.
There is an inner peace in knowing you did all you could to help them succeed. You will sleep easier.
Sooner or later your client will recognize that you are on their side. They will sleep easier.
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