Beware Win Win!

Since I am just embarking on a career in design, I will be the first person to acknowledge that I don’t have much experience in this arena.

So for the purposes of this blog (at least at the out set), I will stick with subjects that I do have some experience with and that apply to design as much as anything else

I call this installment “Beware Win Win”, which on the surface sounds like the perfect situation for both a vendor and a buyer.

But actually win win translates as “Compromise Compromise”. Not that compromise is wrong, just that you need to be aware what your compromises are in order to know if you are actually winning (thx for that Charlie Sheen).

From the perspective of the Vendor: They may only have a limited variety of products/services/solutions that they are willing or able to sell. When they sell, they may only be representing what gives them the best Buck for the Bang, and in doing so ignore or actively downplay solutions that would be much better for the client.

So something may sound like a great solution, but it’s actually only the best deal they can offer.

Buyer beware!

From the perspective of the Client: They may be pursuing a product/service/solution, just for the sake of change, or just because a friend recommended it, or because a competitor uses it.

They are after change for changes sake, not because they have identified an actual need. So when they are presented with something they tend to jump on board.

Sounds great for the vendor, but in reality, because this client isn’t honest with themselves about their needs, they will never be satisfied with any product. They will constantly be tweeking and asking for changes or upgrades, or identifying problems that seem to only apply to them. Scope creep is their middle name

Vendor beware!

If you are selling something, be willing to look at your clients needs (learn from them) and help them find the best solution, not the best solution you have available, don’t be afraid to look beyond because even if you can’t deliver the solution, the client will appreciate and remember your help (what goes around comes around).

If you are buying something be honest with yourself and identify the need you are trying to fill and why. Be honest with your potential vendor and be willing to learn from them.