Published:

08/30/2013 02:55pm

How You Can Still Get Clients Even If You're A Total Jerk

As people in a civilized society we've all been taught to behave in certain ways and been told what is proper and not proper. We've been taught to be concerned about what other people think, and that we always want to be perceived as nice - or there's something wrong with you.

In short, we've all been brainwashed into thinking that there is a particular "way of being" that you need to embody in order to have a happy and successful life. And that's just not true.

Now this isn't me getting on a soap box preaching about non-conformalism, being the nice girl that I am, that would just seem silly.

What I would like to do is make a point that there isn't only one way of being, and no matter who you are if you self express you will get clients (even if you're a jerk).

As a prime example take "Dick's Last Resort" which is a famous (or infamous) restaurant chain that is known for being intentionally rude to their customers. In short, people go there to be abused. Why? It's certainly not because of their food according to the reviews, but because it's different and that makes it fun.

People like to be surprised, they like to be kept on their toes, and the more unique you are the more curiosity they will have about you.

Another example of a fun incident that I personally experienced with improper waitstaff (yes another restaurant example, I must be hungry) was at a restaurant here in Philly that is in the top 50 of the city.

Some friends and I waited 2 hours to get in had a fantastic meal, and then when it came to splitting the check we gave the server our cards and he replied with, "OK I will try not to (insert naughty word here) that up. " We thought it was a hoot, especially considering the owner of the restaurant was standing right behind him.

It was so out of character for a "fancy" restaurant that it was shocking, and that one exchange created a memory of the restaurant. We found out later that dropping the "f bomb" was a thing there. Even though it wasn't overt, it's still a part of their culture and therefore their brand.

Would that exchange have offended some people? Certainly! But they aren't out to please everyone, and you shouldn't either. For their ideal client (us) it was funny and caught us off guard, it made us feel like a part of the culture.

When you're creating a brand, you're creating an experience for your client. We all resonate with different types of people. So if your style is a little rough around the edges I guarantee there are people just like you that would "get it". After all you have friends right? They like you for some reason, and they certainly aren't the only ones around that would enjoy your company.

Does this mean you can go around being hurtful? Of course not, and I doubt that would be your intention. If you are loving what you're doing and truly enjoy your clients there would be no reason to be hurtful.

So the moral of the story is to not be afraid to be yourself, yes you may turn some people off and that's actually a good thing. The people you will attract that jive with your quirks are the ones that you'll enjoy working with and therefore you'll do your best work.

Holly Chantal is the founder of The Land of Brand, a website design and branding company for coaches and solopreneurs. Go to http://www.thelandofbrand.com and download a free video training on how to use your personality to create a unique brand - because your mom was right when she said you were special.