Ever hear another professional express frustration about their clients making the process challenging?

Now, I know some clients are really just difficult people.  Hey, so are some of us so called "professionals."  

But what I am talking about are the professionals that, for some reason, expect the clients to be equally knowledgeable, professional and versed.  

It would indeed make life great if all clients came educated, qualified, funded, logical and clear on their goals.  Or would it be great? 

Consider this.  If the client is already educated, qualified, funded, logical and clear on their goals... what do they need you for?  A little efficiency?  That assumes you are even more efficient than they are.  You may not be.  If you cannot bring significantly more to the table than the client can bring on their own, why are you involved?  For a commission you "deserve" for tagging along on the deal?

Do clients that need help take more effort?  Of course!  However, I believe complaining about the effort required for clients is not a good thing. 

In fact, when I hear someone who complains about all or most of their clients, I usually suspect it is because the complainer is lazy.  I suspect they don't like the work needed to accomplish the task correctly for the client.  So they complain instead of embracing the opportunity.  And even if they are not lazy, they certainly don't sound professional.

People are generally smarter than we give them credit.  Sooner or later, they start to understand if you are leading or following through the process (whether they say anything or just abandon you).

So next time you get frustrated or impatient with a client (or potential client) that is trying to work with you but clearly does not have you industry knowledge or experience, remember this: 

It is your golden opportunity to provide true value.

That is where the money is to be made, where the reputation is earned, where the referrals develop.