I recently got involved in one of those Linked In discussions that ask a pertinent question and invite people to make themselves look (a) stupid (b) angry (c) like they’ve got nothing better to do or (d - the one we’re all striving towards) intelligent and pithy.
The question was:
“What do you think makes a good client?”
It’s an interesting question and, trying to attain (d) status, I wrote:
“A good client understands his (or her) business, has clear objectives, is not afraid to take (calculated) risks, is decisive and intelligent, has the leadership skills and authority to bring his team along with him, the humility to accept advice and the social skills to make working together a pleasure, not a chore.”
To which someone responded,
“Eh ... a manager or a client?”
Oh great! Now I’ve got myself involved in a debate. I’ve got a deadline! It’s past 7pm and I don’t have time for this.
My response (quickly, time is of the essence):
“I’d have thought a good client needs to be both”.
An answer came back immediately and I have to admit to having no idea what the person was talking about. How can I respond to something unintelligible? Why did I get involved anyway?
Much as I would have loved to have a go at responding, I know I would have catapulted myself straight into (a) and (b) status simultaneously and, to avoid this, have now stepped away from the discussion.
Lesson learned: social media takes time, commitment and patience. How do you select the right discussions to throw yourself wholeheartedly into? How do you fit it into your daily life? How do you manage to keep up your day job?
Do I need to buy an iPad, give up my job or employ someone to do it for me?
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