How to Read Minds, Part 1
A client of mine often quips that I can read his mind, or that I just know what he likes.
Psychic powers? Not really, just powers of observation. Being in the (web) design business, it can get very subjective. People usually hate or love what you've made. I usually try to make my pitch in one take, that is, supply one mockup for approval.
Do I hit a home run every time? Nope. But I can usually sense what to change for the next (and hopefully last) iteration. The trick? I always gauge the client's initial reaction. They may totally hate the concept, while cursing at the monitor... only to be talked down by other staff members, later saying "oh, I get it, its ok, yeah, I like it".
Don't believe it. Always go by their first reaction, it's from their gut. Anything after that, and they've been talked into liking (or settling for) your proposed [insert product or service here]. If not, they'll only revert to their original reaction (feelings) days or weeks later, after you've probably spent considerable resources going down the supposedly approved path.
You need to dig deep and find out what the real issue is; it's time well invested. You'll not only come away knowing your clients' preferences and concerns better, you will have gained their respect and trust which will pay off nicely down the road.
