Why Working With Parents Is A Pleasure
At least a few times a month, I have clients who apologize to me for needing to reschedule something, not having a moment to review something, not getting back to me in a timely manner, or any number of other “problems.” My answer is always the same, “Don’t worry, I’m here to support you!”
Why are my clients apologizing to me? First, they are just kind people who respect my time as much as I respect theirs. Second, they are parents and they have bigger things going on in their lives than their work. At least 75% of my current and past clients are parents. This number brings me great joy!
Since I am single, this may seem surprising. Some might assume I would want clients that live a similar life to me and are available at all hours. I do value those clients, too— but the ones who are parents aren’t harder to work with.
This difference means multiple things for my business and theirs that make us great partners. Here are just a few:
As I mentioned before, they have more going on in their lives. Just like me, their business is not their baby (if you missed my thoughts on this, check out my past newsletter). They have literal babies! This means that like me, they know that marketing is not urgent or brain surgery. We are here to make their businesses work for them, not the other way around. This match in philosophy makes for a strong working relationship.
At least half of my real value for many of my clients is that I’m there for them, unconditionally. As I say across my own marketing materials: I’m your confidant and friendly ear. I get joy in knowing that my clients trust me enough to let me into their lives and know that I will be there keeping things moving while they deal with anything they may need to at home.
They value independent work. I don’t need babysitting, and make sure to check in as needed, but also am happy to be assigned a project and work on it on my own. This means they free up time that they may spend managing others and can use that extra time however they may need. They welcome this as do I.
Like me, they are trying to spend their weekends and evenings with the people they care most about. They help me stay on top of my own work life balance by not being available at all hours. I don’t want to bug them just as much as they don’t want to be bugged. And we live in harmony that way.
Last, but certainly not least, who doesn’t love cute kids?! Getting to meet and even hang with my clients’ children is a true joy. Seeing what lights them up beyond their business is often inspiring and gives me greater insight into ways I can help them with their business based upon how they operate at home.
All this is to say, as Mother’s and Father’s Days approach, I’m grateful for all of the parents in my life, not just my own. Bearing witness to all of the incredible parents that I work with has taught me so much. Chiefly, being a parent is hard; be kind to them.
Lesson Learned: Count yourself lucky to work with people who bring you new ideas and perspectives, and honor those who are living different lives than your own. It will make your own work better in the process.
