Professional Services: So, Who's the Client, as Kathy Ruemmler, Brad Karp and More Failed to Sort Out

 In professional services - public relations, management consulting, law, financial and more - we start out this way: We assume our fierce intelligence, knowledge base and honed talent will get us a prominent place in the sector. 

Then we are hit with this: Lots depends on the kind of client service we provide. Part of that comes from high Emotional Intelligence. But an even bigger part results from a willingness to pitch in without complaint doing favors for those in the clients' orbits. For example, since I had made it into Harvard Law School I was asked by the client to guide his romantic partner in her applications to law schools. I knew not to balk. No, there was no extra compensation. Yes, I was too dependent on the client to bring that up.

That's how the business operates. 

Those who make it big learn to play that game especially well. Maybe they even look for opportunities to cross boundaries. 

And that could be how top players in law, ranging from Kathy Ruemmler to Brad Karp, got into the pickle they found themselves. They drifted into being of informal service to someone of great influence associated with their clients. That, of course, is Jeffrey Epstein. Both wound up stepping down from their leadership positions.

The brutal reality is that there are loose boundaries on who is the client. That's the way it is. 

When I was in content-creation, the client who was a public relations media representative muscled me into interacting with journalists. Everything from providing background briefings on those I had done ghostwriting for to recommnending other sources. I resented that, planning to build my business to the point that I could phase out of that client. But at the time that was that. Or perhaps that's what I assumed. Could I have said "no" diplomatically?

Client service is just about everything in professional services. For it not to land you in serious trouble you have to be willing to risk losing business and the possibility of referrals. It is rare that any of us is unique in the results we can accomplish for clients. It's probable that Ruemmer and Karp understood that completely. But, what if they had taken the time to value themselves enough to have the confidence to sort out what the boundaries would be? They might still be in their leadership positions.

In intuitive coaching/tarot reading I warn clients that they have to be self-protective. No one is looking out for them, not at this raw time in capitalism. It's them who will wind up on the front digital page of The Wall Street Journal as being featured for allegedly compromsing standard business values.

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.

 


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