Managing and Serving Different Types of Clients: A Discussion of the Enneagram

Having a service-based business is so rewarding because you work with and help many different kinds of people, but it can also be frustrating when your clients act in ways that don't seem to make sense.

• Why do they get so excited and never finish the tasks you give them?
• Why do they ask you a million questions when you both know they don't really want your services?
• How can you help them feel satisfied with what you've delivered?

These and many other questions about dealing with clients can be answered by learning more about the complex personality typing system called the Enneagram. Knowing these 9 personality types can help you understand how to speak your clients' language and figure out what they really want.

Join the discussion.

Biznik members, Sterling Peake and Rachel Whalley, will be facilitating a discussion about the Enneagram. Sterling has recently learned about this system from the book, The Wisdom of the Enneagram and is looking forward to sharing her experiences with Bizniks. Rachel has been studying the Enneagram informally for nearly two years via private study and participation in panels.

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  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Oct 10, 2007

  The Enneagram is an amazing tool - folklore suggests that it originates in one of the mystic sects of ancient Sufiism, the esoteric part of Islam, but it has no religious overtones.

  Read up on Wikipedia's definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enneagram

  I've studied the Enneagram for over 15 years, and I can't say enough about it. It has not only provided an excellent tool for my interpersonal relationships, but has been applied directly to my client and business relationships too.

  This event would provide an excellent introduction - a taste so-to-speak - from which you can then delve further.

  Type the word "enneagram" into Amazon.com's search and close to 1000 results come up.

  I'll have to check out the book Sterling mentioned above. Here's two on my bookshelf at home: The Wisdom of the Enneagram

  And this one - a fantastic introduction with easy-to-read with cartoon-like illustrations, that I've recommended time and time again over the years: The Enneagram Made Easy

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Oct 10, 2007

  Wait! The book Sterling mentioned (The Wisdcom of the Enneagram), is the first one on my list too! Great minds think alike.

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Oct 11, 2007

  Yep, I love that book. I've found it to be the best book on this topic I've read so far. Thanks to Sterling for introducing me to it!

  Lara, it'd be awesome if you could come and add your own learnings from your enneagram studies!

  Healing IS possible.
• 
  Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Oct 11, 2007

  Shucks, it's happening the same night as the BIG monthly Biznik Happy Hour at the McLeod Residence gallery in Belltown. Sorry guys!

  Biznik Business Networking, Co-founder
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  Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Oct 11, 2007

  D'oh! Well, hopefully this will be an interested alternative for those who've been doing a lot of the big group things and are looking for a different experience. :)

  Hopefully, this one will go well enough that we'll have an encore and you can join us for that one.

  Healing IS possible.
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  Posted by Catherine Gronlund, Seattle, Washington | Oct 11, 2007

  Great topic! Unfortunately, I've got tickets for another event that evening.
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  Posted by Leila Anasazi, Seattle, Washington | Oct 24, 2007

  Argh. I am forced to cancel because of impending emergency dental work (how sexy is that? :-(

  Writing a book about real sex with real people
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  Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Oct 24, 2007

  Bummed that we'll miss out on your presence. Another time, I hope.

  Healing IS possible.
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  Posted by Suzanne Melton, Seattle, Washington | Oct 26, 2007

  Hey, I kind of like these small events! Two facilitators, two attendees!

  We got so much attention!

  Thank you Sterling and Rachel!
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  Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Oct 26, 2007

  It was a pleasure to have you there, Suzanne. I hope you got some useful information out of being there.

  Healing IS possible.
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  Posted by Rachel Reed, Seattle, Washington | Oct 29, 2007

  This was such a fun way to learn something new & useful AND get to know each other! Rachel and Sterling provided a thorough overview of the Enneagram, including laugh-out-loud examples of some of the personality traits (mostly from our own personal experiences). I'm a sucker for personal growth and communication tools, and this one seems worthy of further investigation!

  Sterling and Rachel, thank you for giving your time, knowledge, and wit to make this event happen!
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  Posted by Rachel Whalley, Seattle, Washington | Nov 06, 2007

  Thanks for being such a great participant, Rachel. You and Suzanne definitely helped to make this event fun!

  Healing IS possible.