The lawyers have it right. They have clients.
But why do they get to call the people who frequent their offices “clients”, while other professionals can refer to the same person as “customer.”
What’s the difference? Is it in the amount of money paid for the service? Do you reach a certain level, and they announce, “You have reached the client level! No longer shall you be called customer.” Is it just the nomenclature? Of course not.
The customer is the person who “simply” purchase a good, product or service (my definition). Ruth’s Chris and St. Elmo’s have exclusive customers (for those who can afford it). Nordstrom has customers. Even the local landscaper has dozens of customers.
I resolve, however, that I have clients. When you have become the TRUSTED ADVISOR to the person WITH whom you are working, they are a client. I consult with my clients to design the best training solution for them. Lawyers consult with their clients on the best path for them to follow. Accountants. Bank managers. Architects. Even when I worked for Apple Inc. as the Business Manager for Central Indiana, I had clients. My team did not merely sell companies hundreds of Macs and iPads. We designed full solutions.
Do you work and consult with people to design the best solutions? Are you their TRUSTED ADVISOR?
Congratulations, you have clients!
