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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Why Good Chemistry is Crucial Even in Business Relationships


The savvy scribe recognizes that the simple laws of supply and demand only scratch the surface when it comes to a successful freelance business.

He knows that the better he is able to connect, collaborate, and carry out the wishes of those whom he serves, the greater the likelihood of future projects, referrals, and continued profits.

From my experiences, it‘s not just about doing good work.
(If only it were that simple.)

In fact, many clients and customers can attest that they have severed business relationships with some very competent folks because there was a key ingredient missing in the mix.

In a word…it’s called chemistry.
Whether it’s in the corporate arena, or the world of freelance---people like to work with people they like. Bottom line.

I’m not saying that you have to be passionate about each other.
But there does have to be mutual respect, an atmosphere of trust, a similar “language” being spoken, and a general meeting of the minds.

With this being said, here are three key reasons you need to click with your clients.

1. Chemistry makes whatever the project less stressful. As someone who has passed up paying clients, and also someone whom clients have decided to pass by, nobody wants to operate in a business relationship that is full of tension, turmoil, discomfort, and trifling-ness,(is that a word?). :-)

2. Good chemistry brings out the good in all parties involved. People who don’t feel as if they are being “tested” often perform better.

3. Good chemistry increases productivity, because there are fewer issues to resolve, and less time devoted to non-creative “agendas”.

Your turn. How crucial is chemistry in your opinion? Or does it matter?
Any horror stories here?


Image: SPFF

12 comments:

  1. Yes, chemistry is crucial! My husband and I have been self-employed in various capacities for the last 30 years, and trust is a key component to healthy chemistry. Good post, Jennifer.

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  2. Jennifer Brown BanksJune 7, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    Hi Karen,

    Wow, that's great! True, trust is a must. :-)

    Thanks so much for sharing.

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  3. Oh, boy, you hit a nerve with this one, Jennifer. Once in a while I'll take up the challenge of bad chemistry and try to change it - hardly ever works. So, it's better to let go than to stir caustic chemicals that explode all over the place. I had one editor who treated me like a small child needing instruction. Grr. Had to cut ties with that one. Two others didn't care for my style of humor, so they're marked in blazing red in my submissions log. Anyway - Love this post.

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    1. Jennifer Brown BanksJune 8, 2012 at 12:57 PM

      Susan,

      You are right. Sometimes chemistry can be slowly cultivated; sometimes it's a lost cause. :-) But it's wise to weigh the pros and cons. Just think about it. We wouldn't quit every job where we had a "bad boss". LOL
      But, that is indeed the joy of freelancing! Thanks so much for your great feedback.

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  4. Great post! I'm fairly new to freelancing and my first experience with an editor was a little dicey. I've since realized that editor does trust me, but her communication via e-mail is spotty at best and often seems condescending in tone. (Tone is so difficult to discern via e-mail sometimes, though!) Now I'm contracted with a few more editors, with whom I have a much better, easier rapport. It's great to be able to joke and commiserate with the people you work for...you're right, the stress factor goes WAY down! A good working relationship is definitely based upon trust, but a *great* working relationship also includes rapport and similar communication style, I believe.

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    Replies
    1. Spot on, Jessica. Doesn't Jennifer find the most interesting topics?

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    2. Jennifer Brown BanksJune 8, 2012 at 1:42 PM

      Susan,

      Thanks, hon. When you've had as diverse a freelance writing career as I have, there is no shortage of ideas. :-)
      If I could only get paid at the same rate. LOL

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  5. Jennifer Brown BanksJune 8, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    JessicaB,

    Great to hear from you. You present some well stated positions. I certainly agree that similar communication styles can go a long way in providing for peaceful, productive relations.
    Amen to that! I so appreciate your input on this! Thanks for stopping by and adding to the mix.

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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,

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  7. Although I usually don't directly work for clients as a freelancer, In my Sales Experience I discovered that making Rapport, and having some kind of Chemistry can be helpful.

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  8. Jennifer Brown BanksJune 9, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    Thanks, H.P.! I appreciate your feedback and your time.

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