I was having lunch with a client just over a week ago  to discuss his strategic plans for 2011, and he said the strangest thing.  "Dwayne, don't take this the wrong way, but you care too much about my business.  I'm not saying that's wrong or anything, and you're not like most people in your industry.  It's just something that I just don't really understand sometimes."

What do you say to a client when they tell you this?  Fortunately I took it as a compliment, because a close friend/client of mine has said the same to me numerous times.  However strangely enough it has made me wonder why I do care so much for my clients?  Yes there's a fine line between caring too much and wanting your clients to show success.  I'm of the philosophy that if they succeed, then you're doing your job and you succeed with them as well.

So why is it that more people in this industry don't take a vested interest in their clients?  I always tell new clients, that I will know more about them than anyone else, because their spending habits is ultimately who defines the person.  Why is this important?  Because, it's like any relationship, whether personal or professional.  Each side needs to know the other one, so that there's no surprises down the road to cause a rift in that relationship - just like a marriage.  It all boils down to loving what you do, and enjoying the people you work with.  If you don't have that, then it's just another job.