Digitalmash

To acknowledge the holiday season, most businesses will be sending out some sort of well-wishing material to say thanks for the last year. It will probably be an email, but if they really like you, maybe a card you can put on your mantle piece (although this year I’m actually sending neither…ahem).

What would Tibor do…?

I remember a few years back, when most of my clients were actually in the same country, I would make a serious effort for them at Christmas. I’d come across a book on the work of Tibor Kalman and remember being blown away by the thought and care M&Co took with their Christmas gifts every year. They really treated it like any other paid project and put a lot of thought into making something special. If I can track down that book, I’ll post some of the work for you.

I know…you’re probably just counting the days until you’re out of the office, and may not see any obvious benefit in going to this sort of effort, but hold on — Tibor was on to something.

“If you’re a freelancer, clients have a big stake in the happiness of your working life.”

For me, the relationship I have with my clients is the difference between loving or just enduring the work I do. Your relationship with your client will determine your freedom to explore ideas, the level of flexibility, and humour in your life. If you’re a freelancer, clients have a big stake in the happiness of your working life.

Setting aside the other great side-effects like word of mouth, good karma and an all-over fuzzy feeling, giving interesting pseudo-propaganda gifts that people want to talk about helps bring your client just a little further into your world. Those ‘dream clients’ who will let you do your best work aren’t simply discovered, they’re cultivated. And it has lot to do with spreading the love. And while it’s sort of creepy sending clients gifts out of the blue, there’s no better excuse than around Christmas time. So while it might be a little late this time round, next year consider doing something a little more extreme than a card and spread the love. Trust me, it’s a win win.

Tibor Kalman tribute clock which went out to everyone for xmas 2006.

This year has been a lot of fun, thanks for being part of it.

—Published 26 December, 2008 ← Journal Home