Last week I was at a meeting with a client, going over the status of their website redesign project, which I've been working on for several months.  At that meeting, I made the comment, "This is a really nice web site, folks.  I'm proud to put my name on it."

They loved that comment, and it made me feel really good about what I do.

Clients are always a challenge in one way or another.  Each one is unique and has their own perspective, desires, needs, likes, dislikes, and personal and professional history.  As providers, the best we can do is give them our absolute best advice, help them make the right decisions, and deliver a quality product.  Exercise patience and grace, be flexible, and negotiate fairly but firmly.

Be able to say to your client, "You will be happy with this product and I'm proud to tell people I created it for you."  This is not self-aggrandizing or boastful, it should be the truth.  If you can't say this, then you should not be in business.

It's OK to be proud of your work.  It should be the ultimate goal, one which you strive to achieve for every client or customer, no matter what your business is.