Top 5 Things

My TOP 5 things to consider before committing to a new client relationship

By Chris Pickrill

These 5 things are most important to me when deciding whether to commit  to a new client relationship.

1. COMPATIBILITY

• At the end of the day it’s all about people.
• Can the client and I work constructively together?
• Do we share the same values?

2. VALUE ADD

• Can the client and I see ways I can add value to their business?
• Examples include Change management, new products, new markets, management systems, social media.

3. PASSION

• Can I get a sense of the client’s passion for what they want to do; what you want to do, or is it just a job to the client?

4. HONESTY

• Do I get a sense of honesty about how they see themselves?
• Your strengths and weaknesses and how will you address both the good and bad?

5. STRATEGIC vs TACTICAL

• Does the client live a vision and embrace strategic thinking or do they just sweat the small stuff?

After an initial meeting that covers the above the  5 “get to know you” topics both you and your client need to be comfortable that you have the fundamental chemistry between you to work together as CLIENT and MENTOR/COACH.

What do you think about before deciding whether to take on a new client?

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Now retired, Chris Pickrill has over 40 years of senior executive experience in the private, government and not for profit sectors in New Zealand and overseas including 15 years of teaching and mentoring students, start-ups and established businesses.

 During that time he oversaw the development and management of the largest regional “Business In The Community” mentor pool in New Zealand and since his retirement in 2013 he has actively “practised what he preached” as a mentor for “Business Mentors New Zealand”.

 Chris has a Master’s degree with Honours in Economics from Canterbury University, is a former board member of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management.