on January Theme:

Can you give an example of how you’ve handled a difficult client or project?

Lynn Garelick —  First, I listen to the client or do research on the project.
Next, I give myself a lot of time to think over what I’ve heard to read.
Finally, I come back to the client and/or project and conduct an understanding and heart felt conversation with the client or complete re-thinking of the project.
The important thing is to always be open and kind with the person or project.  This approach works 99.9% of the time.

Doris Mady — I had a new client who had a very condescending attitude on just about e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. He also thought nothing of calling you late at night or on a holiday to make sure you were working on “his” project.
I finished my first project with him, delivered it, and told him in the future I would no longer be available. As a freelancer I gave up many things: office politics, group health insurance, a predictable income, etc. But I gained one very important thing: I only worked for people who liked me and I, in turn, truly liked them!
Later on, I found out thru colleagues that he treated people so badly that he often got fired and was even sued for harassment. While it may have seemed shortsighted …I never was sorry about my decision…Life is too short.

February Theme:

Who are the people that influenced you the most in your work?