Another client died a few nights ago. Third one this year. Good ones, too, generous, easy to please, happy to have you working on their project. Memorial service in a few days. Didn’t go to the first couple in the spring. Should I go, send a card, or just let it slide? For personal reasons, I usually don’t go (too many of them in my youth…)
What do you do when a client passes away?
I never met a tool I didn’t like!
Replies
Acknowledge and then let it be...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Seems to me it's like any other social "obligation". If they were acquaintances, you might send a card, if you knew and or cared about them enough why not pay a quick visit to show your respect? Seems like there's no downside to me...
I believe memorial services are more for the surviving family and friends, than the deceased. If you were close to them, send a card and/or flowers, (or whatever is requested).
I don't think you need to attend the memorial service if you are not comfortable.
Having been there 2x (lost both wives), Darcy is correct that memorial / funeral services are for the family. I can attest that those who attended were a tremendous help to me, let me know that they cared. That was good, and much appreciated.
W/ my first wife, had a man who worked w/ my father ( i had only met him maybe 2x) drive over 100 miles to be there. It was appreciated, and helpful.The more I learn, the richer I become, if I ever stop learning life here will no longer be worth living.
Oh my, how tragic. I am sorry for your loses.
Being there for family and friends is what is most important.
Thanks, Darcy, but was not looking for sympathy, but felt that I may have a perspective that most may not. Do not know how to get that point across w/o telling.The more I learn, the richer I become, if I ever stop learning life here will no longer be worth living.
Funerals are always a tough call. No two situations are the same.
I generally only go to the visitation only but not the funeral, unless it was someone I knew really well. (Memorial services are uncommon around here)
I've only had one funeral to go to that was a business associate. (His 3 month old Son woke up in the middle of the night. The guy dozed off on the couch holding the baby on his chest. He woke up a while later and the baby was dead. They don't know why.)
I went to that one, even though it was REALLY tough. I didn't want it to look like I was selling something so I just said a few words to the parents and left quietly. Didn't want to make a big deal of it, but didn't want to skip it either.
I don't think there's anything wrong with going, particularly if you know some of the fmaily members who will be there. You can't skip doing what you think is right just because someone might possibly question your motives.
Leadership is action, not position [Davey Crockett]
I found out a while ago a HO I got to know pretty good had died.
It was on a job when I was an employee ... so not even "my customer" ... and the job ended about 3 years ago ... had only run into her a few times since.
But ... she was just about my favorite customer before or since.
Just a nice lady.
I've made my mind up on sending a belated card ... now I hear the family has sold the house and moved.
I'll try to track them down.
and send off the card.
wasn't sure if I should at first ... then I remembered how good it made my wife's family feel when complete strangers came to her Mom's funeral .... my MIL worked the drive thru window at the bank ... lotsa people came in to say how nice she was to see ever week.
Made my wife feel a little better. Knowing others saw her Mom as she did.
I want that family to know I thought their mother to be special as well.
Jeff
I would go.
1. If it truly is/was a good client you most likely spent quite some time with him and now it is time to say goodbye for personal reasons.
2. This client spoke about you to his friends and family members who very likely are present too. The next generation will continue the tradition and work with you on their upcoming project (sometimes very soon).