The Future of Client Services

After reading Khoi Vinh’s post a while back, The End of Client Services, I found myself both invigorated and heartbroken. Khoi (and others) make strong arguments for the opportunities that about for people like us who know how to harness the internet. Their points are valid and come from a good place. However, for me, right now, Needmore Designs is my startup. It is my dream. And, part of that dream is helping others to tell their stories.

The notion that storytelling is the the key component to design services in the past is true. And, times marches on. But the question in my mind is: do our clients still need us to tell their stories? I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think the answer was still a resounding yes.

I used to be quite proud when I could tell someone that we’d create an updateable website for them and then they’d never have to pay me a dime again. I was liberating them from the shackles of web oppression by handing them the keys to their destiny. It is true that the keys to the kingdom have opened wide; Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, free templates, and other monetarily cheap forms of communication abound online. Take one step on the internet and you have found a pulpit from which to preach about your thoughts, your brand, your event. When there are so many options, what is one to do?

Almost because there are so many options out there, I now see our role these days as both designer and guide. And, this is a good place to be. Further, is requires a longer term relationship with clients where iteration can happen over time. Which is a good thing for me and my client.

Kandace Brigleb

Producer, co-founder of Needmore. Currently residing on the left coast.