There was once a man that lived to be 300 years old. He had proof of his birth and there was no debate as to old he actually was. Scientists and thinkers from all over gathered and asked him what his secret to long life was. They invited him to a gathering to discuss what his secret was and to hear him speak. They were shocked to hear him say, "The secret is easy. I never argue with anyone." They mumbled among themselves and argued back and forth. The leader of the scientists stood and said, "Sir, that can't be it. There is no way that that is the secret to your long life." The man quietly replied, "You know, you may be right" and walked off the stage.
I love the "sharing mentality" of Chris. Sharing your ideas and beliefs or invititing others to enter your world is just a more powerful approach than forcing others to do so. Actually, you can never win a debate if the opponent is an ignorant/emotional driven and reactive person. He/She are just not willing to accept defeat. I think of it as an infinite verbal UFC-Match. #tongues are sharper than swords since they never seem to get dull. A wise person on the other hand will just back off, avoiding useless confrontations that only worsens the situation.
Basically, Chris knows peoples love/business language and acknowledges that in conversations and once they feel understood he schools them on what his business language is and at that point they both understand each other...boom! So boss! Easier to move forward from that point.
Role play is always so valuable!! Tone and attitude is so on point here. The level of zen is admirable. Fortunately, my days don't look like the logo conversation anymore (in part thanks to the Futur for helping me towards achieving the career progression I wanted) and look a lot more like: Fortune 500 company client needs an app and is super on board with the agency's outcomes-based process. We have done research, user-testing, etc. and now they want to dictate visual design of the app. The work that we've done in the past has been really strong from a UX perspective because we put a lot of weight into testing that and it can always be supported by numbers, but we find ourselves working with internal design stakeholders at these companies who want a large say in how the visuals turn out-which is fair. The company has a brand. These individuals are largely in charge of that and are responsible for the preservation of the current brand. But what happens when their visual eye isn't quite up to par and their visual taste seems to be dated/not so great? It's harder to make as sound of a case for visual design because it's so subjective. As a result, I always find myself scrambling to find any statistic or study I can to support my visual choices in prep for client meetings. It doesn't seem appropo to just cite "proper design principles" because it feels like a jab at their internal design roles. We want to work WITH the client and make them feel as included as possible, but we also don't want to end up having to launch an app that looks like shit. TL;DR Role play client design review style, anyone?? :D
Thats the beauty of a rational approach. As long as you use the same toolset (reason) you will in the end agree with each other, because the toolset is designed to arrive at an objective truth (not to be right).
Chris... you have no idea how much you've actually helped me change my life in the past few months. I am 22 years old I WAS an engineering student in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and after watching a few of your videos i decided to start taking action. The first thing that popped into my head was: "I want to own a great graphics design business and i'm going to do whatever this man says i should do to get to that goal". You're not going to believe this but i actually left college to be able to take action (my parents had a hard time accepting that, of course, but that's another story)! I started following your "3 month runway" method, i made a few projects, even got my first payed work. I have used your ways of talking to the client, I realized how important a strategy is not only to help me understand what i need to do but also to reveal all the things my client used to not even think about and have him actually thanking me for what i taught him. I managed declining a client that wanted me to work for a cheap project by being fair and sincere about what i do and what i charge for that (that was a bit hard for me because one of my best friends was also involved and i didn't want to make him feel bad). This month i am working on establishing my business ( legal issues, finances and stuff like that). I made a business plan, talked to an accountant, made marketing strategies and i plan to have all the paperwork done my the end of this month. I have to say, I had no idea what was going to come but God do i love doing this! Next month i'm building all my social media accounts and I'll start making personalized presentations of my weekly progress for each of them. I will build my Behance and Pinterest and work my ass off every single hour. I just wanted to thank you and all of thefutur's staff, as well as Melinda here for your work and devotion to help us achieve our dreams! I have so much more to learn and I am eager to do so. I also plan to one day be sitting with you guys at a table and personally thank you for everything.
This is great! Clients are not used to understand design as a part of branding and branding as the core of business. So is difficult to guide them in the process of thinking strategically, but at the end they understand everything is connected and work toghether.
I shouldn't be surprised since the channel is about the business of design, but you guys have the best thumbnails on all of TH-cam. Every time I see one in my feed it stands apart from all the other videos.
Chris gave me hope that there are ppl in this world who are successful, creative and very smart .. when he talked about talking about his beliefs with others and that really made him more believing, that actually happened with me .. and when he talked about ppl telling him to do things in a different way because maybe he's wrong and he listened, that is also me .. i certainly need to improve a lot at many aspects to be "successful", but Chris really give me confidence and hope .. this is when i subscribe :D
Dude I am so totally loving this exchange. Not only has this series justified a lot of my thoughts it’s actually motivating me to take action on those thoughts thank you both so much for sharing your insights.
Many of these 'discussion with clients' are dealing with a single 'owner' figure. Would you be able to expand into dealing with 'panel' type clients where you have to convince a group of people?
The Futur Brilliant ! Would love to see a group role place on this in the future. Good to that hear pitching to a group doesn’t have to to be harder than 1:1.
Awesome. Keep these role-play videos coming! At about 9:00, you said Melinda didn't played the role of an open client and give Chris a lot of options to work with. But, in fact, that's how most of the clients are: stubborn. They are not too willing to compromise or for for another solution presented - and if that's the case, Christ sent them away, which is, exactly, what should happen many times - and I like to see that role play when the client is sent away as well.
I LOVE these videos. I am a bit older and getting back into design. A few years ago I had a very similar experience with a new teeth whitening company. I created a logo that incorporated a bright smile, but during the revision phase, I was informed that his business partner did his own logo. I was told he designed a smile that was two red lips stretched across the top of the company name. I went to the mall and their location it looked like two red hot dogs. I am not sure how long they were in business, but I don't think long.
The insight of Chris regarding debate is interesting and it's eye-opening for me. The reason that we have debates is that we want to be right and show the other person that we know more than him. But Chris said that he doesn't go into debates because he is always in the mindset of learning and it stops him from stamping his opinion in the conversation. He was in the exact situation in a podcast and he interviewed Stef Hamerlinck. Both had strong, but opposite, opinions about branding. I never heard Chris pound his hand to hammer home his stance so that Stef would change his. Instead, he asked questions to understand him and find some commonality between them.
It's funny how we (we designers, creative people) have to explain ourselves, but almost any other industry is well respected and nobody questions the "modus operandi". I believe that the main problem is that people think logo design, video creation, or whatever 'creative' is EASY and it is just a few clicks away. Luckily, times are changing and people are learning - respect for our industry is growing (I am talking about these "small-but-cocky-I-don't-want-to-spend-anything-for-a-logo" business owners - big league is never a problem, they understand :) Anyway, this comment is 4 years too late, but nevertheless, awesome video and content, as always Chris (and Melinda)! xx
If a potential clients kicks off the first meeting with "I have this great idea for a logo"... run. That's client code for, "You will do as I say and draw what I say." Earlier today, I had this exact convo with a client. Client word for word said what Melissa said. But I stuck to my guns like sensei Do taught me.
Just amazing! I really love these roleplay conversations, bringing so much value to us! Confidence sparkles out from Chris miles away. Such a strong and established talk (defense) with the pushy client (btw. Melinda was great as well!).
Thanks for the amazing video! I’m having a client right now for a web/UI project building his web presence and the client is acting as a designer 😅 he thinks that he knows everything and basically he is dictating the work and how should be done. We have created something through a long process of researching, testing and wireframing, but he doesn’t appreciate what we have done. Lesson learned.
Love this! I wonder how the dialogue would play out when both parties don't see eye to eye in the middle of the project instead of before entering into the engagement with the client.
You guys should do a video for clients.. what terminology they should know, what are the right questions to ask, etc. If done in a respectful way could be a good educational tool to prep clients.
I may have one for you. Some say that if you don't debate, if you don't really get upset--at least every once in awhile--then you don't really care. They say that anger, in the right context, is a sign of love or deep and pure than the peaceful pacifist. And even Maya Angelou says that anger is one of the most creative forces. Perhaps creative enough to allow you to come up with better solutions to a client's problem. I don't really believe that side, but I just want to throw that out there for good sport, in case you're in the mood.
Chris has the big ego, the bigger pride and the biggest arrogance. Most people would find this as a bad trait but man I REALLY admire his attitude. He knows his worth and will not settle for anything less. BIG UPS TO #TheFutur All the way from South Africa.
Thabo Sengwayo actually Chris has none of those. No ego, no pride, no arrogance. Sometimes it appears so but in reality what he has is a strategic mind, a kind heart and an honest disposition. Being genuine and playful plays big role too. The blunt truth is what often gets misconstrued as 'cocky'
I love these. Thanks for sharing your thinking and working through some of the conversations that we all have had and probably failed miserably to work through. I recently had a conversation with a client that knew what they wanted and found someone to do the logo for $50 after asking me to do it. Asked a few things of them regarding strategy and felt it was going to be a better fit to let them use what they found. Would not have been a good fit for either of us.
Nice take on how to have a conversation with people. Sole aim being to learn and grow. Unfortunately people’s egos come in the way far too quickly and changes the original conversation intentions.
I think I would really find it interesting to discuss with somebody on a subject we both have no knowledge of. Something not too complex so we can't guess how it works but something not too simple so that two minds could find an easy solution to. By the way, I found that video pretty insightfull, thanks for making me want to learn!
Phew!!! This got confrontational At 03:50 the question "Why would you need...?" sounds quite judgmental when do you push and when do you listen I have been in a few of these - probably less than necessary to grow my business and revenue And I have much to learn Thanks for this demo I am half way through - waiting for the turn Edit Ah! Yes - it is a dialogue and an effective seller is very clear on their offer and options they can suggest for a client inflexible in their request
I love seeing Chris make references from the WWP manifesto. I purchased the book per Chris' recommendation, and it's changed the way I approach business as a creative.
Wooow! you're amazing! I have a love-hate relationship with design because of customers, and the way they see my service. I really enjoyed the video, thank you for the answers I will use them in the future
Very useful tip to handle this type of situation. Unfortunately, I'm the designer of the company without the authority to do this. I might consider sending this video to the commercial personnel.
How is it that you guys release a video about what I'm currently going through, every. single. time... D; I'm working on this EXACT project with this EXACT client right now. They actually called me in for a meeting on Tuesday to talk about the logo. I think I'm just going to send them a link to this video lol
LOL! why am I watching this? I am in school and I don't Deal With Tough Clients , TH-cam recommended this video out of nowhere! I love this guy! and I have nothing to do with graphic design LOL!
First it is SEO not Seo. ha ha! and I think SEO did not help you but your thumbnail did. Your thumbnail must have stand out of other videos. But seeing your video I guess you are a graphic designer so you should have good thumbnail. By the way your videos are really good even tough I do not do graphic design but I like to understand Psychology of person whom I am talking with and this video talked little bit about it . I also went through your some other videos ( damn you upload lots of video) anything you suggest where you talk about this more? most of your other videos are too specific to graphic design. How did you learn this stuff (i mean how do you understand the psychology and behavior of other person)? any books? or just learning from experience?
you don't think we know that it's SEO? c'mon man. you notice how I type mostly in lowercase? thumbnails don't mean anything to the search Alg. in order for our content to be indexed and found, it's all SEO.
I learned it from working with clients 22+ years, being coached for 10+ years, working with a psychotherapist, and being trained by some specialists, + mix of books and videos.
Hey at 10 minutes in Melinda's laying all this "Never Split the Difference" lingo on us! And Chris subconsciously used the word "putting labels on it" Which is more Split lingo. But I don't think Chris realized Melinda was playing him with the deadline... 99.9% of a deadlines are meaningless according to Never Split. And that's been my experience too... even working in daily broadcast news graphics and film advertising for decades. Unless there's verifiable third party context then the deadline is a tactic. Then after a long session of mirroring and labeling we arrive at the pivotal "that's right" moment happening to Chris at 15:55.
This video contents really very helpfull to me.as a designer. You both covers the practically facing problem when we faced to the our clients. You advising us the way of facing to them Value and rates, Thanks for both sharing us uour valuable thoughts.
Hey Chris! I grew up with an INTJ for a best friend and you're both right. You wont have a debate AND it will be a "stalemate". The stalemate is just a non-conversation, because you already know what the other person is thinking. But the intellectual debate can be found with male INFPs. Males because they are more likely to have developed enough strategic thinking (due to social pressures) to converse with a business-minded INTJ, and they have a whole other NF-dominated world view to be very interesting to talk to. But you're right in saying that you will just agree with each others point and the whole thing will just be a 2 people going, "yea that's interesting" to each other. Haha Edit: Oh yea. I'm an INTJ too
"I need a logo: it should be done this way" My reply: [Questions about their business, masked as genuine interest/curiosity)] ok, so what you came up with? [now I analyze their proposal and tell what could/wouldn't work and why; at this point the client trusts me better and we kept in the project what was at their heart for a reason, or we've just ditched off all the too personal and irrelevant convictions to then start fresh]
I'd love to see a roleplay (I guess real play?) scenario video with a few real-life clients. Not sure how the logistics / legality of setting it up would work, but if it's possible, I think it'd be great gamut to see both a tough client and easy client and maybe a few in-between. :)
Hahaha! I'm just like you Chris! I have yet to meet someone like me. But after watching your videos, it seems you are the closest. I honestly don't think it would be a debate if I ever conversed with you on our different opinions (most of which are the same), but just a sharing of knowledge like you said. When debating it's all about finding the hole in the other person's logic but with two individuals who are so well versed and confident in their logic - I think it would just make a really delightful conversation. Would love to have a non-conversation with you brother lol! :)
Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. You are giving away all my secrets for combating people with stupid ideas! You are giving away the secret sauce !!!!!! Nnnooooooooooooooo. But honestly thank you once again for another great roll play session. And I gotta admit that last part was really telling - I too have learned that the more I learn, the less I know. Taking the position of wanting always learn, always leads to better results.
Lol. It's these sort of confrontations that dissuade people from sales, and thus starting a business. Customers can so often be Karens who will make your life hell unless you set boundaries early on. We're our own bosses; we don't need to put up with this. It's why many of us started our own business. Be polite, set boundaries, keep everything documented. And if they write a bad review, so be it -- you can overshadow it with 4 more GOOD reviews from people who are capable of empathy and logic. Missing out on more work from a client sucks, but it's better than being stressed all of the time by a difficult client.
In IRL most conversation with the business ends or continue when you describe the price for services, they take it or pass it without negotiations. They can afford or can not.
Is it a natural process when you start as a graphic designer to be an "order taker" (just create a logo) first and later on in your career become a strategist (do strategy, then create a logo)? Or doing strategy is a way to go from the beginning? Thank you!
My boss didn't reveal their true self to me (micromanager / Trump hybrid) until a few weeks after starting my first project. I've been stuck here with a boss that sees my input/expertise as "resistance" to his opinion. I've been frantically looking for a new job since these stressful interactions have caused me several anxiety attacks. TL;DR My boss wants me to be a spineless puppet to complete projects in a WEEK. They have no design or business background. It's a miracle they've made it this far.
bomb questions and bomb answers towards the end tho, i feel like the somewhat childish question of "what would you do if you met your identical double - how would that convo go - why would it be a mexican standoff?" was skipped and a different question answered, but in a completely satisfactory way which was more realistic and probably addressed the... more mature version of the original question part of me still wishing to have had heard the original question answered tho haha Chris da man!
Idk why design is always for granted. We probably need to teach our clients what it takes to become a designer. They know and respect the process than the title of a medical doctor. That's why they don't dare them.
Guys, thank you so much! Really enjoyed the video! I can see how it works for such a designer like Chris Do, but if I, as a young designer, was to use the same tactics on my clients, they would just say "Fair enough, thanx, I'm gonna find another designer, bye." How could I potentially solve this problem?
we all start somewhere. that's what they used to say to me too a few short years ago. you can also see that melinda and others have been able to achieve success using this approach.
Hi Chris, How we handling trend? Is trend is bad or good? and how to get a big client? how to convince them to hire me? if u don't have any portfolio in handling a big client. And all you have is only theory and research. Thank u chris.
Great video, I’ve dealt with a difficult client that forced me to deliver crap and I’m so frustrated because of it. I’m now trying to learn this things, they were very happy and they told me they know I’m right, that my design will lead to more sales and calls, but they just like the crap design more as the father’s client said so (60 years old man who work as a van driver)… how would you argue with someone like this?
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Okay. I’m already brainwashed. I want your brain system. I feel like it’s already installed. Everything seems so logically true and fantastic. No debate. What keeps me watch every video you make to the end. Chris? That’s the question. The answer could be in one word. Or in a big long endless blog, video, books.
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Your brain 🧠 connects to my brain in a high deeper level? Like you’re in my head.
again a very good topic and very honest with the solution and advice. I like the chemistry between you as well :) Melinda I know the secret that you are curious ;) Chris should I tell her?
Ok @Melinda here I am going to reveal the secret, the mentor and guru of Chirs is the Miss NATURE he spent lots of time with Miss Observation, occasionally founded along with Miss Enthusiast and Miss Energy, every time Miss Inspiration lives in his eyes and Miss Motivation lives in his heart, Miss Learning always whispering him to go to Miss Technic and Miss Technology to grow Miss Innovation along with Miss Habit and Miss Support push him to meet Miss Appreciate & Miss Admire along with his beloved friend Mr. Passion. Above all, he uses to follows Mr. Law (Father of all above beauties) :) Right Chris?
Hahahaha, even I don't what I am talking... just kidding... actually I just want to say that your entire experience by observation of nature and surroundings and by implementing techniques. So I have just added little drama. BTW I have a concept what if we create a graphic web series like super hero's The Avengers, but our character replace with these characters like first episode title should Miss Observation. Second ep Title Miss Inspiration and so on... duration can be 5 to 15 minutes. Any comment about this Idea :) ?
There was once a man that lived to be 300 years old. He had proof of his birth and there was no debate as to old he actually was. Scientists and thinkers from all over gathered and asked him what his secret to long life was. They invited him to a gathering to discuss what his secret was and to hear him speak. They were shocked to hear him say, "The secret is easy. I never argue with anyone." They mumbled among themselves and argued back and forth. The leader of the scientists stood and said, "Sir, that can't be it. There is no way that that is the secret to your long life." The man quietly replied, "You know, you may be right" and walked off the stage.
Great story.
@@thefutur I found it to be relevant to Chris' search for an intellectual sparring partner. Sometimes we already have the very thing we search for.
100 percent
I enjoyed that story
Great story but i am wondering how to apply with clients or in business 😂
I love the "sharing mentality" of Chris.
Sharing your ideas and beliefs or invititing others to enter your world is just a more powerful approach than forcing others to do so.
Actually, you can never win a debate if the opponent is an ignorant/emotional driven and reactive person. He/She are just not willing to accept defeat. I think of it as an infinite verbal UFC-Match.
#tongues are sharper than swords since they never seem to get dull.
A wise person on the other hand will just back off, avoiding useless confrontations that only worsens the situation.
Basically, Chris knows peoples love/business language and acknowledges that in conversations and once they feel understood he schools them on what his business language is and at that point they both understand each other...boom! So boss! Easier to move forward from that point.
Omgggggggg that makes so much sense and I agree he understands people and Human behavior
Role play is always so valuable!! Tone and attitude is so on point here. The level of zen is admirable. Fortunately, my days don't look like the logo conversation anymore (in part thanks to the Futur for helping me towards achieving the career progression I wanted) and look a lot more like: Fortune 500 company client needs an app and is super on board with the agency's outcomes-based process. We have done research, user-testing, etc. and now they want to dictate visual design of the app.
The work that we've done in the past has been really strong from a UX perspective because we put a lot of weight into testing that and it can always be supported by numbers, but we find ourselves working with internal design stakeholders at these companies who want a large say in how the visuals turn out-which is fair. The company has a brand. These individuals are largely in charge of that and are responsible for the preservation of the current brand. But what happens when their visual eye isn't quite up to par and their visual taste seems to be dated/not so great?
It's harder to make as sound of a case for visual design because it's so subjective. As a result, I always find myself scrambling to find any statistic or study I can to support my visual choices in prep for client meetings. It doesn't seem appropo to just cite "proper design principles" because it feels like a jab at their internal design roles. We want to work WITH the client and make them feel as included as possible, but we also don't want to end up having to launch an app that looks like shit.
TL;DR
Role play client design review style, anyone?? :D
Thats the beauty of a rational approach.
As long as you use the same toolset (reason) you will in the end agree with each other, because the toolset is designed to arrive at an objective truth (not to be right).
Chris... you have no idea how much you've actually helped me change my life in the past few months. I am 22 years old I WAS an engineering student in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and after watching a few of your videos i decided to start taking action. The first thing that popped into my head was: "I want to own a great graphics design business and i'm going to do whatever this man says i should do to get to that goal". You're not going to believe this but i actually left college to be able to take action (my parents had a hard time accepting that, of course, but that's another story)! I started following your "3 month runway" method, i made a few projects, even got my first payed work. I have used your ways of talking to the client, I realized how important a strategy is not only to help me understand what i need to do but also to reveal all the things my client used to not even think about and have him actually thanking me for what i taught him. I managed declining a client that wanted me to work for a cheap project by being fair and sincere about what i do and what i charge for that (that was a bit hard for me because one of my best friends was also involved and i didn't want to make him feel bad). This month i am working on establishing my business ( legal issues, finances and stuff like that). I made a business plan, talked to an accountant, made marketing strategies and i plan to have all the paperwork done my the end of this month. I have to say, I had no idea what was going to come but God do i love doing this! Next month i'm building all my social media accounts and I'll start making personalized presentations of my weekly progress for each of them. I will build my Behance and Pinterest and work my ass off every single hour. I just wanted to thank you and all of thefutur's staff, as well as Melinda here for your work and devotion to help us achieve our dreams! I have so much more to learn and I am eager to do so. I also plan to one day be sitting with you guys at a table and personally thank you for everything.
Ioan-Alexandru Bouleanu wow! Thanks for sharing.
Love this drive!
This is great! Clients are not used to understand design as a part of branding and branding as the core of business. So is difficult to guide them in the process of thinking strategically, but at the end they understand everything is connected and work toghether.
The last second of both was the best part of the video. Both going deep thinking about how small we are... Gold!
Melinda is great at listening more accurately now, expressing the communication of feedback well. That improve my understanding, Thanks Chris Do.
Wasiu Raji :)
She had him on the ropes, their chemistry is outstanding
I shouldn't be surprised since the channel is about the business of design, but you guys have the best thumbnails on all of TH-cam. Every time I see one in my feed it stands apart from all the other videos.
Visionary Digital Media we are classically trained designers first and foremost whereas most youtubers are not. Thanks 🙏
The Futur I definitely am not 😋 but I do appreciate your perspectives on business
glad you can spot the difference.
Chris gave me hope that there are ppl in this world who are successful, creative and very smart .. when he talked about talking about his beliefs with others and that really made him more believing, that actually happened with me .. and when he talked about ppl telling him to do things in a different way because maybe he's wrong and he listened, that is also me .. i certainly need to improve a lot at many aspects to be "successful", but Chris really give me confidence and hope .. this is when i subscribe :D
Dude I am so totally loving this exchange. Not only has this series justified a lot of my thoughts it’s actually motivating me to take action on those thoughts thank you both so much for sharing your insights.
Glad to hear.
Where has this channel been for my entire life and past lives? Awesome video and helpful.
We’ve been here.
dayum guys, this is gold, from an artist point of view but also on a personal level, really feels like a good 'life' lesson
Many of these 'discussion with clients' are dealing with a single 'owner' figure.
Would you be able to expand into dealing with 'panel' type clients where you have to convince a group of people?
Pandamonium facts
Pandamonium even easier. I pit them against each other.
The Futur Brilliant ! Would love to see a group role place on this in the future. Good to that hear pitching to a group doesn’t have to to be harder than 1:1.
Melinda is growing more and more FEISTY!! hahaha. I love you guys' wayward chemistry. It's like Lightning McQueen and Cruz in CARS 3. lol
BE UNLIMITED Chris created a monster! 🤓
It's really awesome to see Melinda's growth through this great series. Really inspiring! Thanks for sharing
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! This is one of my favourite eps, on the side of it is less structured and we get to see Chris in another light. Melinda rocks!!
I think Melinda got pretty close to being the debate soulmate towards the end of this video lol 😏
Kane San Miguel she’s amazing.
Thank you so much for this video... it’s priceless for me at this moment
Awesome. Keep these role-play videos coming!
At about 9:00, you said Melinda didn't played the role of an open client and give Chris a lot of options to work with. But, in fact, that's how most of the clients are: stubborn. They are not too willing to compromise or for for another solution presented - and if that's the case, Christ sent them away, which is, exactly, what should happen many times - and I like to see that role play when the client is sent away as well.
14:20
"Most people want to be at the center of the conversation."
Dang! That's some good stuff.
I LOVE these videos. I am a bit older and getting back into design. A few years ago I had a very similar experience with a new teeth whitening company. I created a logo that incorporated a bright smile, but during the revision phase, I was informed that his business partner did his own logo. I was told he designed a smile that was two red lips stretched across the top of the company name. I went to the mall and their location it looked like two red hot dogs. I am not sure how long they were in business, but I don't think long.
The insight of Chris regarding debate is interesting and it's eye-opening for me. The reason that we have debates is that we want to be right and show the other person that we know more than him. But Chris said that he doesn't go into debates because he is always in the mindset of learning and it stops him from stamping his opinion in the conversation. He was in the exact situation in a podcast and he interviewed Stef Hamerlinck. Both had strong, but opposite, opinions about branding. I never heard Chris pound his hand to hammer home his stance so that Stef would change his. Instead, he asked questions to understand him and find some commonality between them.
The expression on his face at 13:42 🤣
GOLD!
Always learning new stuff even with your old videos
It's funny how we (we designers, creative people) have to explain ourselves, but almost any other industry is well respected and nobody questions the "modus operandi". I believe that the main problem is that people think logo design, video creation, or whatever 'creative' is EASY and it is just a few clicks away. Luckily, times are changing and people are learning - respect for our industry is growing (I am talking about these "small-but-cocky-I-don't-want-to-spend-anything-for-a-logo" business owners - big league is never a problem, they understand :) Anyway, this comment is 4 years too late, but nevertheless, awesome video and content, as always Chris (and Melinda)! xx
Once again... value value value in this video !
Melinda, you inspire me.. Thanks so much!
If a potential clients kicks off the first meeting with "I have this great idea for a logo"... run. That's client code for, "You will do as I say and draw what I say." Earlier today, I had this exact convo with a client. Client word for word said what Melissa said. But I stuck to my guns like sensei Do taught me.
Excellent
This is probably one of the best episodes yet!
Circular Element ya?!
Just amazing! I really love these roleplay conversations, bringing so much value to us! Confidence sparkles out from Chris miles away. Such a strong and established talk (defense) with the pushy client (btw. Melinda was great as well!).
As an opinionated person I really appreciate what Chris says at 16:44.
Thanks for the amazing video! I’m having a client right now for a web/UI project building his web presence and the client is acting as a designer 😅 he thinks that he knows everything and basically he is dictating the work and how should be done. We have created something through a long process of researching, testing and wireframing, but he doesn’t appreciate what we have done. Lesson learned.
live and learn Piter.
Love this! I wonder how the dialogue would play out when both parties don't see eye to eye in the middle of the project instead of before entering into the engagement with the client.
Great content. Friction overcoming is an everyday thing in business relationships
You guys should do a video for clients.. what terminology they should know, what are the right questions to ask, etc. If done in a respectful way could be a good educational tool to prep clients.
Gigi clients don’t have time to watch TH-cam to learn how to talk to people they pay money to. But we can try and see.
I may have one for you. Some say that if you don't debate, if you don't really get upset--at least every once in awhile--then you don't really care. They say that anger, in the right context, is a sign of love or deep and pure than the peaceful pacifist. And even Maya Angelou says that anger is one of the most creative forces. Perhaps creative enough to allow you to come up with better solutions to a client's problem.
I don't really believe that side, but I just want to throw that out there for good sport, in case you're in the mood.
Chris has the big ego, the bigger pride and the biggest arrogance. Most people would find this as a bad trait but man I REALLY admire his attitude. He knows his worth and will not settle for anything less. BIG UPS TO #TheFutur All the way from South Africa.
Thabo Sengwayo actually Chris has none of those. No ego, no pride, no arrogance. Sometimes it appears so but in reality what he has is a strategic mind, a kind heart and an honest disposition. Being genuine and playful plays big role too. The blunt truth is what often gets misconstrued as 'cocky'
I'm really loving this series! I'd pay 10000$ (If I had it)!
Good. Level up. Make the money. Then send us ten percent when you do.
I love these. Thanks for sharing your thinking and working through some of the conversations that we all have had and probably failed miserably to work through. I recently had a conversation with a client that knew what they wanted and found someone to do the logo for $50 after asking me to do it. Asked a few things of them regarding strategy and felt it was going to be a better fit to let them use what they found. Would not have been a good fit for either of us.
you have to walk away from clients like that. good for you.
iamReedicus good job.
“I don’t take a position so I don’t lose”
Wait, that’s designer Jeff Winger xD
I'm so happy I found your channel. Really love the knowledge, approach and vibe.
if the client has it sketched out already and is still willing to pay me 30k$ then they will have that logo in no time.
Love the video guys! I’m dealing with similar things with some of my clients and this gives me some new things to try!! Keep it up 😊
Nice take on how to have a conversation with people. Sole aim being to learn and grow. Unfortunately people’s egos come in the way far too quickly and changes the original conversation intentions.
I think I would really find it interesting to discuss with somebody on a subject we both have no knowledge of.
Something not too complex so we can't guess how it works but something not too simple so that two minds could find an easy solution to.
By the way, I found that video pretty insightfull, thanks for making me want to learn!
That was sentimental and makes this video bring more. Loved it.
Brilliant! That's why I need to do what you do!
Phew!!!
This got confrontational
At 03:50 the question "Why would you need...?" sounds quite judgmental
when do you push and when do you listen
I have been in a few of these - probably less than necessary to grow my business and revenue
And I have much to learn
Thanks for this demo
I am half way through - waiting for the turn
Edit
Ah! Yes - it is a dialogue and an effective seller is very clear on their offer and options they can suggest for a client inflexible in their request
Love the tough role play client videos! Teach on!
I love seeing Chris make references from the WWP manifesto. I purchased the book per Chris' recommendation, and it's changed the way I approach business as a creative.
The Futur. My life coach of 2018
Wooow! you're amazing! I have a love-hate relationship with design because of customers, and the way they see my service.
I really enjoyed the video, thank you for the answers I will use them in the future
You are so welcome!
Nice video. Stand for your value! I like how you give the example of the manufacturer being told what to do.
Wow Melinda is soooo smart!!! I love the dynamic between Chris and her. But pretty soon she's going to give Chris a run for his money :D
how soon do you think? we should have Melinda as a regular co-host.
Very useful tip to handle this type of situation. Unfortunately, I'm the designer of the company without the authority to do this. I might consider sending this video to the commercial personnel.
Master Do! "I am not in the logo building business I am in the brand and business building business."
good
How is it that you guys release a video about what I'm currently going through, every. single. time... D;
I'm working on this EXACT project with this EXACT client right now. They actually called me in for a meeting on Tuesday to talk about the logo. I think I'm just going to send them a link to this video lol
it could be a numbers game. we got over 500 videos.
bashzer0 ikrrrrrrr
Seriously
LOL! why am I watching this? I am in school and I don't Deal With Tough Clients , TH-cam recommended this video out of nowhere! I love this guy! and I have nothing to do with graphic design LOL!
Parth v hah. I guess our Seo is good.
First it is SEO not Seo. ha ha! and I think SEO did not help you but your thumbnail did. Your thumbnail must have stand out of other videos. But seeing your video I guess you are a graphic designer so you should have good thumbnail. By the way your videos are really good even tough I do not do graphic design but I like to understand Psychology of person whom I am talking with and this video talked little bit about it . I also went through your some other videos ( damn you upload lots of video) anything you suggest where you talk about this more? most of your other videos are too specific to graphic design. How did you learn this stuff (i mean how do you understand the psychology and behavior of other person)? any books? or just learning from experience?
LOL! TH-cam considered my comment as spam!
you don't think we know that it's SEO? c'mon man. you notice how I type mostly in lowercase?
thumbnails don't mean anything to the search Alg. in order for our content to be indexed and found, it's all SEO.
I learned it from working with clients 22+ years, being coached for 10+ years, working with a psychotherapist, and being trained by some specialists, + mix of books and videos.
Hey at 10 minutes in Melinda's laying all this "Never Split the Difference" lingo on us! And Chris subconsciously used the word "putting labels on it" Which is more Split lingo. But I don't think Chris realized Melinda was playing him with the deadline... 99.9% of a deadlines are meaningless according to Never Split. And that's been my experience too... even working in daily broadcast news graphics and film advertising for decades. Unless there's verifiable third party context then the deadline is a tactic. Then after a long session of mirroring and labeling we arrive at the pivotal "that's right" moment happening to Chris at 15:55.
This video contents really very helpfull to me.as a designer.
You both covers the practically facing problem when we faced to the our clients. You advising us the way of facing to them Value and rates, Thanks for both sharing us uour valuable thoughts.
LOVE your thought-mingling at the end
Good work speaks for itself!
Really really useful again guys. More of these please. 👍🏻
Hey Chris! I grew up with an INTJ for a best friend and you're both right. You wont have a debate AND it will be a "stalemate". The stalemate is just a non-conversation, because you already know what the other person is thinking.
But the intellectual debate can be found with male INFPs. Males because they are more likely to have developed enough strategic thinking (due to social pressures) to converse with a business-minded INTJ, and they have a whole other NF-dominated world view to be very interesting to talk to. But you're right in saying that you will just agree with each others point and the whole thing will just be a 2 people going, "yea that's interesting" to each other. Haha
Edit: Oh yea. I'm an INTJ too
"I need a logo: it should be done this way"
My reply: [Questions about their business, masked as genuine interest/curiosity)] ok, so what you came up with? [now I analyze their proposal and tell what could/wouldn't work and why; at this point the client trusts me better and we kept in the project what was at their heart for a reason, or we've just ditched off all the too personal and irrelevant convictions to then start fresh]
I'd love to see a roleplay (I guess real play?) scenario video with a few real-life clients. Not sure how the logistics / legality of setting it up would work, but if it's possible, I think it'd be great gamut to see both a tough client and easy client and maybe a few in-between. :)
Danny Adelman I love that idea. I'll sit and watch.
Love it! 👏🏻
Keep it up Mr.Do we want to see more of these things :)
thank u
I love the Role Plays.
great connection here, really nice conversation!
Dolan Frick thank you!
Hahaha! I'm just like you Chris! I have yet to meet someone like me. But after watching your videos, it seems you are the closest. I honestly don't think it would be a debate if I ever conversed with you on our different opinions (most of which are the same), but just a sharing of knowledge like you said. When debating it's all about finding the hole in the other person's logic but with two individuals who are so well versed and confident in their logic - I think it would just make a really delightful conversation. Would love to have a non-conversation with you brother lol! :)
Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. You are giving away all my secrets for combating people with stupid ideas! You are giving away the secret sauce !!!!!! Nnnooooooooooooooo. But honestly thank you once again for another great roll play session. And I gotta admit that last part was really telling - I too have learned that the more I learn, the less I know. Taking the position of wanting always learn, always leads to better results.
Lol. It's these sort of confrontations that dissuade people from sales, and thus starting a business. Customers can so often be Karens who will make your life hell unless you set boundaries early on. We're our own bosses; we don't need to put up with this. It's why many of us started our own business. Be polite, set boundaries, keep everything documented. And if they write a bad review, so be it -- you can overshadow it with 4 more GOOD reviews from people who are capable of empathy and logic. Missing out on more work from a client sucks, but it's better than being stressed all of the time by a difficult client.
I need a transcript with all this gold. I can't keep up with the note taking. Burning through a page a minute!
Love it thanks!
Dannng
These bits are S O L I D
Keep up this G O L D
Riley Jones 👊🏻
Riley Jones Appreciate it!
too funny, thanks Chris and Melinda
In IRL most conversation with the business ends or continue when you describe the price for services, they take it or pass it without negotiations. They can afford or can not.
And they do find someone who is affordable for a budget and skip you.
Is it a natural process when you start as a graphic designer to be an "order taker" (just create a logo) first and later on in your career become a strategist (do strategy, then create a logo)? Or doing strategy is a way to go from the beginning? Thank you!
Tinta by Bulka depends on the person. I would start w strategy if I could.
Perfect question🤔👌🏾
Thank you!
Oooooouuuhhhh Gett’em Chris!!!! 👏🏾😎🤗
“I have it sketched out” 😅 RUN!
So good, guys.
My boss didn't reveal their true self to me (micromanager / Trump hybrid) until a few weeks after starting my first project. I've been stuck here with a boss that sees my input/expertise as "resistance" to his opinion. I've been frantically looking for a new job since these stressful interactions have caused me several anxiety attacks. TL;DR My boss wants me to be a spineless puppet to complete projects in a WEEK. They have no design or business background. It's a miracle they've made it this far.
that's why you have interview the interviewer.
I’m here to learn
Learned a lot! I would love to see Chris have a weird Mexican standoff if possible
Andrew Li me too. Who will step up.
bomb questions and bomb answers towards the end
tho, i feel like the somewhat childish question of "what would you do if you met your identical double - how would that convo go - why would it be a mexican standoff?" was skipped and a different question answered, but in a completely satisfactory way which was more realistic and probably addressed the... more mature version of the original question
part of me still wishing to have had heard the original question answered tho haha
Chris da man!
My mission in life is now to find a Nega-Chris. lol
Bizarro Chris
Fast forward to them re-branding their own website and the frustration on his face..
Idk why design is always for granted. We probably need to teach our clients what it takes to become a designer. They know and respect the process than the title of a medical doctor. That's why they don't dare them.
Guys, thank you so much! Really enjoyed the video!
I can see how it works for such a designer like Chris Do, but if I, as a young designer, was to use the same tactics on my clients, they would just say "Fair enough, thanx, I'm gonna find another designer, bye."
How could I potentially solve this problem?
we all start somewhere. that's what they used to say to me too a few short years ago. you can also see that melinda and others have been able to achieve success using this approach.
Heh, fair enough. I will just work and follow this! You are inspiring as usual;)
Hi Chris,
How we handling trend? Is trend is bad or good?
and how to get a big client? how to convince them to hire me? if u don't have any portfolio in handling a big client. And all you have is only theory and research.
Thank u chris.
Great video, I’ve dealt with a difficult client that forced me to deliver crap and I’m so frustrated because of it. I’m now trying to learn this things, they were very happy and they told me they know I’m right, that my design will lead to more sales and calls, but they just like the crap design more as the father’s client said so (60 years old man who work as a van driver)… how would you argue with someone like this?
Okay. I’m already brainwashed.
I want your brain system.
I feel like it’s already installed.
Everything seems so logically true and fantastic. No debate.
What keeps me watch every video you make to the end. Chris?
That’s the question.
The answer could be in one word. Or in a big long endless blog, video, books.
Your brain 🧠 connects to my brain in a high deeper level?
Like you’re in my head.
again a very good topic and very honest with the solution and advice. I like the chemistry between you as well :) Melinda I know the secret that you are curious ;) Chris should I tell her?
Hani Hassan yes. Why not?
Ok @Melinda here I am going to reveal the secret, the mentor and guru of Chirs is the Miss NATURE he spent lots of time with Miss Observation, occasionally founded along with Miss Enthusiast and Miss Energy, every time Miss Inspiration lives in his eyes and Miss Motivation lives in his heart, Miss Learning always whispering him to go to Miss Technic and Miss Technology to grow Miss Innovation along with Miss Habit and Miss Support push him to meet Miss Appreciate & Miss Admire along with his beloved friend Mr. Passion. Above all, he uses to follows Mr. Law (Father of all above beauties) :) Right Chris?
Hani Hassan it sounds wonderful but I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Hahahaha, even I don't what I am talking... just kidding... actually I just want to say that your entire experience by observation of nature and surroundings and by implementing techniques. So I have just added little drama.
BTW I have a concept what if we create a graphic web series like super hero's The Avengers, but our character replace with these characters like first episode title should Miss Observation. Second ep Title Miss Inspiration and so on... duration can be 5 to 15 minutes. Any comment about this Idea :) ?
Melinda asked Chris an interesting question.
Hey futur. I loved your vids. Helped me a lot. Do you have advice on how to find your own style?
Marl Piece embrace all the weird things that you love.
Such value! What are the tips to give clients as far as building their business?
no tips. just connect the dots between what their customers need.
That person is Chriss Voss