How can you manage a branding client's unrealistic expectations?

1. Outline project scope and deliverables: Clearly define the project goals, timelines, deliverables, and revision limits in the initial contract. 2. Discuss success metrics: Agree on how success will be measured, whether through quantitative data or qualitative feedback. 3. Explain your process: Walk your client through your typical branding development process, highlighting potential iterations and adjustments. Communicate transparently: Be upfront about potential challenges, resource limitations, and any factors that might influence timelines or outcomes.

?? Think of your branding project as a thrilling adventure, and setting clear expectations is your secret weapon for a seamless ride to success. ?? Craft a contract that's not just ink on paper but a guiding star, detailing every aspect from scope to payment terms. ?? Let your client in on the exciting roadmap – the research, the creative leaps, and the shared victories. ?? This upfront clarity isn't just a strategy; it's the catalyst that turns projects into success stories.

I like to remind clients that MOST rebrands are not the Field of Dreams (e.g. "if you build it, they will come"). While we can create amazing rebrands, it doesn't mean much if people can't find it.

Setting clear expectations from the beginning of the project: 1-for time of delivery 2-Cost 3-The number of deliverables 4- number of revisions Also, educating clients about the whole process is important to raise awareness and help you to set clear expectations. Being honest is the key to success.

Don’t forget it’s your client paying for your expertise so it’s your job to take them on the journey with you. It’s not their job to understand it, so guide them through it. If you have good relationships with your client they will respect your knowledge and the time it takes to give them killer branding.

I’m often surprised at how little some clients understand about brand and branding (and the difference between the two). As designers who live and breath this stuff every day it’s easy to forget the knowledge gaps that a client might have. I’m big on simplifying and demystifying the process at Lark. One simple fix I’ve found is to have a glossary of terms in the back of our initial proposal documents highlighting some basic ‘brand speak’ and design terminology. Clients have fed back that it’s put them at ease from the first encounter with the studio knowing we’re transparent with our process and honest about having a collaborative approach.

Branding isn't a quick fix; it's a journey. It's the blend of time, research, creativity, and a dash of testing, working together to craft a brand that stands tall and strong. By demystifying branding beyond logos and slogans, you equip your client with the strategic insight needed to craft a distinctive identity that authentically connects with their audience.

1. Explain branding fundamentals: Help your client understand the core principles of branding, the role of research, and the iterative nature of design development. 2. Share case studies and examples: Showcase successful branding projects and explain the reasoning behind their execution. 3. Address common misconceptions: Clarify any misunderstanding they might have about branding timelines, pricing, or the immediate impact of branding efforts. 4. Encourage open communication: Invite questions and concerns throughout the process to address misconceptions and foster understanding.

Most clients have some idea of what branding is... it's just usually very wrong. My approach isn't usually to talk with them about branding at all, it's to listen to their business problem and give them an idea of what I can do to help (along with a clear picture of what that will cost). Frequently the client doesn't actually need branding, or they aren't ready for branding and I tell them that. They need product market fit, advertising, or distribution. It's pretty common that the makeshift brand they have is fine for where their company is. A great brand can help an already functioning company accelerate or establish trust more quickly, but it can't hold up or an unproven or broken business model.

In my Google days, managing expectations often meant teaching clients about branding. It’s more than logos or colors - it’s a narrative that echoes a brand's soul. Explain the journey: branding isn’t instant magic; it’s a crafted story that evolves with time and creativity. This education helps clients see the bigger picture, aligning their expectations with the strategic realities of brand development.

1. Define revision limits: Set clear boundaries on the number of revisions included in the initial agreement. 2. Focus on constructive feedback: Guide your client to provide specific and actionable feedback, avoiding subjective critiques or personal preferences. 3. Present your rationale: Explain the design decisions behind your work, how they align with the agreed-upon goals, and how certain changes might affect overall effectiveness. 4. Emphasize iteration: Explain that branding is an iterative process, and continuous refinement leads to stronger results.

The research (not the client's opinions) should dictate brand development. If your client clearly understands the objectives based on the market research you've conducted, there tends to be a lot less pushback.

Dealing with endless revisions? At Google, we had a system: set limits on changes upfront. Make it clear - X rounds of feedback, no last-minute overhauls. Encourage clients to be specific and constructive. If they ask for something off-strategy, stand your ground with polite firmness, backed by solid rationale. Offer alternatives that align with the branding strategy. This approach keeps the project on track and maintains professional integrity.

Como un escultor que trabaja con su mecenas, gestiona las expectativas sobre revisiones y feedback para que cada cambio sea un paso más hacia la obra maestra final. ? Límites Razonables: Establece parámetros claros para revisiones. ? Feedback Constructivo: Fomenta comentarios específicos. ? Defensa del Dise?o: Justifica tus decisiones creativas. La gestión de revisiones es un diálogo entre visión y forma; mantén la comunicación tan precisa y cuidadosa como los detalles de tu dise?o.

Muitas vezes os clientes abusam das revis?es, ent?o definir uma quantidade de altera??es na primeira reuni?o é necessário, mas pra isso, é necessário fazer um trabalho de qualidade para que n?o seja necessário tantas altera??es.

1. Maintain a professional and empathetic demeanor: Listen actively, validate their concerns, and avoid defensiveness. 2. Focus on collaborative problem-solving: Explore alternative solutions, negotiate compromises, and prioritize finding a satisfactory middle ground. 3. Utilize mediation resources: If necessary, propose involving a neutral third party, like a colleague or mediator, to facilitate communication and bridge the gap. 4. Document key decisions and agreements: Clearly record any agreed-upon changes or compromises to avoid future misunderstandings.

In my experience, especially at Google, handling client conflicts is all about staying cool and professional. Don't take it personally. Step into their shoes, understand their viewpoint, and respond with calm logic. Stand by your expertise, use evidence to back your decisions. If things hit a dead end, part ways respectfully. It's about balancing diplomacy with maintaining your standards and integrity.

Como un diplomático en negociaciones, maneja los desacuerdos con profesionalismo, buscando siempre el terreno común y preservando la integridad de la visión de la marca. ? Comprender Perspectivas: Escucha y valida las preocupaciones del cliente. ? Objetividad y Calma: Mantén la profesionalidad ante el conflicto. ? Soluciones Dignas: Proporciona alternativas respetuosas. Los conflictos, manejados con arte y diplomacia, pueden convertirse en oportunidades para fortalecer la relación y la marca en sí misma.

#1 rule we have when working with clients: do not take things personally. Most of the time, it isn’t about you. Maybe a client is having trouble expressing what they want clearly. Or a client is pressured to make things work that’s why they’re frustrated that your work is not what they expected it to be. Emotional intelligence is so important when dealing with clients. You really just have to understand their point of view and always be two steps ahead - take time to know what they want, and why something is not working for them.

Delivering real value is key. At Google, we didn't just meet expectations; we aimed to exceed them. Add something extra to your branding projects – an additional service, a unique touch. It's about going beyond the brief to wow the client. Follow up post-project for feedback or referrals. This builds lasting relationships and cements your rep as a top-tier branding pro.

1. Exceed expectations whenever possible: Deliver results that go beyond the initial agreements and demonstrate the true value of your branding expertise. 2. Present your work strategically: Frame your designs in a way that emphasizes their strategic alignment with the project goals and client's needs. 3. Gather and showcase positive feedback: Share testimonials, social media mentions, or any positive client feedback to reinforce the success of the project. 4. Celebrate milestones and successes: Acknowledge key achievements and celebrate progress to maintain positive client relationships.

Entenda que o pós venda é muito importante, como vai a tratativa com sru cliente? Como est?o seus clientes de um mês atrás? Só o fato de acompanhar como est?o os clientes te ajuda a fidelizar.

I’ve often found that talking to stakeholders can unearth some interesting observations. Like the time we helped a healthcare technology business who were looking to re-brand, to position themselves for a move into the US market. Talking to the client’s audiences unearthed some difficulties around the company name. Nobody liked it or understood it. And it was difficult to pronounce. This led to a conversation internally and a re-aligning of the project objectives. And because the client was open and listened to their audiences, they now have a name they are proud to use.