Ah, the age-old adage of "the customer is king" - a concept that's been around longer than the no. of times Mihir died and came back to life in Ekta Kapoor's "famous" daily soap. But let's dissect it, shall we? Because when you proclaim that, you're essentially painting the vendor as some peasant, and trust me, I don't look good in rags.
In the grand theatre of commerce, it's a delicate dance. You've got your service provider on one side, your client on the other, and a big ol' pile of cash or goods smack dab in the middle. Technically, it's a barter system, a trade of equals. None of this "First Among Equals" nonsense, unless you're penning the next great political drama or a Jeffrey Archer novel.
So, when I'm in the trenches with clients, I'm not dusting off my crown or bowing down like a medieval serf. Likewise, I'm not expecting to be treated like yesterday's leftovers. It's all about professionalism and mutual respect, folks. No looking up, no looking down, just eye-level business.
And let's talk about this whole "money talks" mentality. Sorry, but I'm not running a circus where you throw money and I perform tricks. Flashing your cash won't get you VIP treatment with me; it'll just get you shown the door.
Some might argue that kissing up to the big spenders is the way to go, like a bunch of "stars" chasing after Ed Sheeran. Sure, they might see faster growth, but mark my words, in the marathon of commerce, the steady plodders cross the finish line with their dignity intact.
So, sure, maybe I'm not riding the money train at full speed, but I'll still be chugging along when the boot-lickers are left stranded at the station.
What's your take on all this?
Director, Brand + Content @ Favor Delivery | Ex YETI, Wieden + Kennedy New York
2mo::DEEP BREATH:: thhhhhhankyoupreachergangforbeingsuchamazingcreativepartnerspleasetelljacobhecanonlywritelikethisnowwwwww