Mike Fernandes

To have a successful brainstorming session you must gather a disparate group of individuals together, however, they must have one thing in common, and that is CREATIVE THINKING. Without this, you will just have a committee meeting. If you are the facilitator, approach your task with all your instincts and knowledge of body language intact. A high-end group will be like puppies pissing around a lamppost, to begin with, and then, when the dust settles, you can start harvesting ideas. Remember to watch for the shy quiet one who can often throw in a full hand that gets picked up by the glory seeker who claims it for their own. At the end of the session, try and recall every word because the marketing king-hits are often hidden in mumbles.

Firstly, ensure that your proposal benefits your client and that the benefit you gain will also benefit your client. Sounds complex? It isn't if you do your homework. Here's an easy way to look at it with an example - 1. Your proposed contract includes the purchase of particular software at a cost. 2. Your client objects to the level of cost quoted. 3. You reason that armed with this particular software, the quoted timeframe has been streamlined to be cost-effective. 5. Without the software, you cannot hold to the timeframe and related time wastage could occur. Now for the difficult part - 1. You must communicate your reasoning with clarity and without one-upmanship - This is not a contest as there are only winners. 2. Carry cigars!!

Hey! You've chosen one of the most exciting careers in the Universe and one of the most multi-faceted so if you can't multi-task at breakneck speeds, get a 'real' job! Seriously, prioritizing is easy. You have a task - you put it in a slot - you complain to your dog (who wags its tail and tells you to get on with it!) - so you take the advice and enjoy what you're doing - Easy! Anything less than dedicating 24/7 to each project SIMULTANEOUSLY is a copout. I mean this with absolute sincerity because 3D modeling is a creative game and creativity is one of those strange animals that has no time constraints in an un-constrained brain and as such thrives on confusion. ENJOY!

You've got a seriously cranky customer and you want and/or need to keep them in your stable so what do you need to do? You may have an idea about their concerns but you must understand fully what's eating them before you can attempt to fix things. ASK THE QUESTION - "I have an idea about what you're concerned about but can you give me the full story?" Be prepared to get an earful so LISTEN - You might learn something about problems within your business offering. With that knowledge in hand, you can partner with your client to fix their issues as well as give them credit for helping to improve the outcome for all concerned. High Fives!

Analogies are indeed powerful for establishing a logical middle ground. It is not unusual for clients to approach a change in age-old methodologies with trepidation and suspicion. Comparisons between traditional methods and the power of pinpoint targeting and immediate analysis make it much easier to shift set ideas. Take care though with the over-use of analogies or you may fall into the trap of being patronizing.

Empathize but don't capitulate. Many of us go with the line of least resistance right from the start by agreeing to everything the client asks for without question. This leads to false expectations and the possibility of under-servicing. The most powerful way to empathize is to establish a mutual understanding of the client's needs and your ability within your space to serve those needs. Empathy + Understanding = Comfort Zone.