Switch

My Kind of Client

We got a call today from the St. Louis Cardinals and it was one of those calls that makes you wish all relationships were as considerate, smart. and reciprocal.
About a month ago, they asked Switch to start brainstorming some ideas about ways to help the Cardinals celebrate making it to the 2009 World Series. We had just finished presenting some initial ideas when it became apparent they would not be needed… this year… unfortunately… and no, we have not gotten over it.

Now, we’ve been here before… do some work and despite everyone’s best intentions, some outside force intervenes and the opportunity disintegrates. It happens. When it does, you usually get a “thanks, sorry…” and that’s it.

Not this time. The Cardinals called and said they appreciated how much work, effort and yes – dollars – we put into the initial ideas. Further, they said they wanted to give us a luxury box for a game next season gratis as a token of their appreciation. Now that’s our kind of client! They actually appreciated the effort… even though it would not be needed or used. That’s a real breath of fresh air for our agency.

Compare that to some “clients” that tap into our good faith, expertise, have us figure out their needs, their inital designs and then suddenly become quiet and incommunicado… until you read about them executing your program with your design using your name “in house”… and without any payment or a token of appreciation.

Guess which client will be getting our best efforts next time they call. A tip of the ol’ redbird cap to the St. Louis Cardinals. Thanks and see you next season!