Which Client Is Your Most Important?

The one you’re talking to of course. Everyone knows this, right? Here’s the thing – I had an epiphany today and it kinda hurt. I was talking with one of my agency partners and offered to send his boss an email to give him some props – he’d sent some great people and really helped me out in the past few weeks. As it turns out he’s up for a promotion so it was very timely. As I was drafting this email and congratulating myself on being such a nice client, I realized why I like this guy so much (besides the great candidates) –

He makes me feel like the only client he has.

I know he’s extremely busy. I know that he’s got a lot of people clamoring for his time and attention, plus facets of his job that have absolutely nothing to do with Zones and my recruiting problems. He never lets it show. He returns my calls and emails promptly. What makes this even more amazing is the agency he works for. It’s our state employment agency. This guy is a government worker who doesn’t even have any commission at stake – yet he’s hustling like he’s over his draw amount.

Whoa. I really had to stop and think – would my clients say the same about me? As a corporate recruiter my clients are also my co-workers… this can be a double edged sword. It’s too easy to fall into a laidback friendship - I start complaining about how busy I am over coffee or how difficult that “other” hiring manager is. I’ve had conversations with hiring managers where I’ll bring up something that happened with another team – I’ll often get “wait, I thought I was your favorite!” It’s said jokingly, but I can’t help but wonder if any of them felt just a little less important in that moment.

I’ve decided to step up my game – remember what it’s like to be on the outside and how important it is to make my clients feel like the center of the universe, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The fact that we’re in the same building shouldn’t stop me from treating them like my commission depends upon their happiness and satisfaction with my recruiting efforts. That doesn't mean we can only talk about their open positions, but it's important to focus on, well, what's important to my client. I’m going to be a better partner… right after my vacation next week. :)

Comment by Bill Schultz on May 30, 2012 at 8:16pm: amy, you've inspired me.....

I'm going to take a vacation next week too!

Comment by Noel Cocca on May 30, 2012 at 8:27pm: Great Aha moment there Amy...love it. It is important to always remember that being successful means being very busy usually...and if we get very busy, isn't that what we asked for?! Don't forget who got you there...nice post!

You win the RecruitingBlogs BAD ASS Blogger Badge!

Comment by Amy Ala Miller on May 30, 2012 at 11:11pm: Noel, this is right up there with my Ammy!!!!!

Bill I just about spit my wine out on that one... Lol

Comment by Ron Webb on May 31, 2012 at 8:18am: Very good point!

Comment by Jerry Albright on May 31, 2012 at 9:08am: How can Noel come up with your award right away - yet Animal still hasn't actually handed out the 2011 Ammy's?

Comment by Celinda Appleby on May 31, 2012 at 11:17am: True inspiration. Wish I was going on vacation next week - Enjoy!

Comment by Brian K. Johnston on May 31, 2012 at 1:25pm: Dang, this was a good one!!! We all are Marketers is we wish to believe this or not.. People buy with emotion, and justify with logic... (In this case, not only does he do a great job <sends quality/follows up, etc>, he makes the client feel good all along the way..GREAT LESSON!!!)