Special relationship?

Can a 'special relationship' be transactional?

Consultants aspire to Trusted Advisor status.
And that's what some clients want.

But others are looking for a Vendor.

The only 'trust' they want...
for you to do what they say.

And if you don't,
if you attempt to influence,
explain it's not for you...

Those clients - the worst kind.

They'll spit their dummy,
berate you to stakeholders,
turn your concern into political theatre.

Short term you may bend to keep stability.
Long term make a plan to move on.

Don't kid yourself you're 'all that',
it's not a special relationship.

A few years ago I got an introduction.
It was from a friend - someone I respect.

Trouble was the person I was introduced to...
total control freak.

Wanted to tell the external advisor how to do their job.

No thanks.

Another contact they spat their dummy when I dared suggest they use my scheduling app to book some time... to help them, for free, find a suitable advisor (not me).

No thanks.

These behaviours are windows into the type of relationship you don't want.
They're not worth the money, the hassle, the drama.