Client Types As Lebowski Characters

The Dude Abides...

Working with clients can be incredibly rewarding. Their unique perceptions, expectations and idiosyncratic quirks are the variables that keep projects interesting. At times, when on the phone or sitting at a meeting with some of my employers, I can’t help but unfairly compare them to some of the caricatures I’ve seen in my favorite movie. Let this post serve as a tongue-in-cheek roast of endearment.

The Walter Sobchak

I’m talking about drawing a line in the sand, Dude.
This type tends to charge in with an arsenal of partially thought out ideas. While they really do care, their zeal and inability to retain overall perspective requires constant refocusing and redirection. The best & worst part of it all is that they incite that rare brand of rage that only someone you’ve come to care a lot about is capable of. Dios mio man, you’ve got a friend for life.

The Maude

This is Maude Lebowski. I need to see you. I’m the one who took your rug.
A company hires a PR firm, who hires an ad agency, who hires a marketing team who hires you. While it’s possible to sort out who’s really calling the shots, be ready to sift through all the Jackie Treehorns, Brandts, and Big Lebowskis to get to Maude. Determine who the point person really is and you’ll be able to handle all the extra ins, outs and what-have-yous.

The Nihilists

We don’t care, we still want the money.
Details are unimportant; they’re just after the final product. They’ll come to you with what (in their minds) is a million dollar idea for a website without doing any market research or even looking into how it will be accomplished. Most likely their strategy is less than sound so beware; no one wants to have to cut off a toe.

The Brandt

Her life is in your hands, Dude.
Clients that step out of the way and let you do what you do best can be ideal. Just be sure they aren’t trying to drop too much in your lap. Sure, helping out and providing work that positions clients for success is important, but that doesn’t mean that you are to be held responsible for how the business performs overall. If they need you as a partner, suggest they hire you on a recurring basis. This is their concern, Dude, not yours.

The Theodore ‘Donny’ Kerabatsos

You’re like a child who wanders into the middle of a movie.
They’re out of their element. They need you to explain what’s going on and how to get things done. Sure, they may be nice people, but you’re going to have to strike a balance. After domains have been registered, DNS has been configured, and email has been set up on their computer it might be time to say, “good night, sweet prince”.

The ‘Big’ Lebowski

The bums lost!
It’s painfully obvious by the grandiose facade that they’re full of it. Every few months I hear, “You’re going to have to hire some more people because this idea is huge,” and I run for the hills. Usually, the people with big ideas and big opportunity won’t have to go out of their way to prove it to you. Unless you really trust them or believe in what they’re doing, tell them no. Tattoo it on your forehead, it’s your answer to everything!

The Dude

The Dude Abides
Whether they just want their rug back or a rebranding for their company they are great to work with. Clients that trust you, challenge you, and expect your best help create an ideal partnership. Sometimes there’s a man who, well, he’s the man for his time ‘n place, he fits right in there--and that’s the Dude.