What About Clients, Professionals and Friends?
Where are the lines drawn? Indeed, should there even be lines? Even when “lines” are nuanced, they tend to be tentative!
The integrity of the Client/Professional relationship is vital, and most of us could cite an example (ours or someone else’s) where too much familiarity did breed contempt. Or, at the very least, discomfort to some degree.
Is it possible to do right – in all aspects – by our clients or customers if the relationship starts to mature into a friendship? One would think there could be no better pattern or bonus that could grow out of a business or professional services circumstance. Most of us would probably say: I can handle that!
Probably the proofs, the tests and the pragmatic realities rest in the management of the relationship that begins within business parameters and expands into the characteristics of a personal friendship. For the project health, what changes in such a transition? What changes for the positive? What may fall into risk? How are priorities influenced? What might the effects be on business goals and disciplines? How does one handle the privileges, allowances and generosities natural to friendships?
Photo contributed by Robert Boccabella
It would be difficult (and probably foolish!) to argue against friendship and its life benefits! It would be equally difficult to argue against maintaining appropriate business and professional disciplines. However, in considering the inherent characteristics of each, it is easy to see some of the mutual risks. Over my personal career of 40 years, some of my most valued friendships have evolved from a start in a business relationship.
Interior Design – by its very definition – takes the professional Interior designer inside the business or residential sites of their clients, and into a working knowledge of their likes, dislikes, tastes, choices and preferences. We learn a lot about how they work and live. In such an interactive process, friendship can – and does – thrive!
In the context of potential friendship, I think it is important to reflect on some of the broader perspectives involving workplace and Interior design project management disciplines – where familiarity may influence judgment. The key, I believe, is in noticing that the relationship is shifting, and clearly examining how it should and should not interfere with – or enhance – the project integrity. I think there can be more positives than negatives!
Part of my inspiration to discuss this phenomenon is my experience of seeing it from both sides. Every venue has its own very specific characteristics of relating with clients or customers. And, we all have no doubt experienced the bonus of developing friendships within the working association. I like to emphasize the benefits, while consciously and carefully avoiding the pitfalls.
One good guideline is: Never assume! Second guessing a client or customer’s choice or preference, because we are sure we know (because we are now friends) is just a bad business risk. That’s one of those lines where caution is called for; that spot where too much familiarity in the context of business, can breed contempt!
Clients, Professionals, Friends! It has a nice ring to it! It can be the best of the best for doing business – or turn into a nightmare. Let there be no doubt about it: it must be handled with care. If softer lines, but definitely lines, can be maintained that keep disciplined procedural priorities in focus, I have found that both business and friendship can balance successfully. I differentiate our typical business associative friendships from the friendships that grow into the broader inclusion with our other personal friends, our families, our hobbies, our celebrations and all those lasting characteristics!
Practice does make more perfect the handling of these patterns – when we realize we’d really enjoy continuing a friendship connection beyond project turnkey! Many of my clients and former clients I count as friends – and wouldn’t change it!
So, what’s my point? Only to share thoughts on an aspect of doing business that presents a rewarding challenge, well worth handling carefully!
Often, the inviting Interior design also sets the scene for a growing friendship!
© 2021 Robert A. Boccabella, B.F.A., Certified Interior Designer
www.BusinessDesignServices.com
Collaboration & Writing: Ms. Zoe Tummillo
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book at Business Design Services.
