The go-getter

Overview

Go-getter types have a single-minded focus on their objectives and will do whatever it takes to achieve them. Fast-moving and fast-talking, they want to get things done quickly, determined in their drive towards success. They thrive on a challenge and can juggle several projects at once.

They are organised and efficient, and whether a ‘company person’ or self-employed, they work and play hard. They have a practical approach to life. They approach others in a straightforward manner, valuing competence, efficiency and effectiveness.

Strengths: Go-getters get results, take the initiative, have great enthusiasm, are persistent, driven and see things through.

Possible weaknesses: At times, go-getters may become impatient with the slowness or faults of others, they may run over others who are slower to act and speak. They can also become bored quickly by routine and process.

Character traits

This personality is outgoing and energetic, with a focus on the goals that they need to achieve. They work best within a structure where the rules and the rewards are known so that they can measure their level of achievement and success. They are extremely hard-working, persevering and persistent, to the point of being workaholics. They firmly believe in "what you put in, you get back out". However, they are also pragmatic and flexible and for them, "the ends always justify the means" - they will do whatever it takes to get where they want to go!

They make great company people, absorbing the company ethos and giving it their all. However, they will use their company success to promote themselves as individuals. They have high self-belief and know their worth in the marketplace.  However, they also inspire good teamwork among fellow employees, and they instinctively know how to draw out the best in each co-worker, and whose strengths are best for a particular project.

Working preferences

They expect others to keep up with their fast pace, and get impatient with "time-wasters". To keep themselves efficient and up to the mark, they are very well-organised, with lists of things to do (and feeling satisfaction when they tick an item off as "done"). They keep emails short and to the point, avoiding unnecessary pleasantries (waste of time), emotional comments or jokes. In meetings, they are always well prepared, bringing notes and making more when others are talking. They will ask incisive questions that can make others less well-prepared feel uncomfortable. They do their homework beforehand and don't miss a trick. When presenting, they are confident and enthusiastic, knowing how to deliver a pitch to inspire others.

Appearance and presentation

They are conscious of their image and aware of the power of first impressions - to be a winner, you have to look like one. They dress according to what passes as "successful" in their particular company, whether that is a suit and tie or the latest in conventional high-street fashion. Their desk will contain trophies/certificates/souvenirs of past successful campaigns or projects. When making decisions, they are quick and sure of themselves, as they trust their judgement over anyone else's. When buying, they always keep their competitors in mind and look to procure a product or service that will give them a competitive edge. Because they are "solution-oriented", they can sometimes fall prey to the "quick-fix". They work on staying "positive", and enjoy the challenge of juggling several projects at once.

Tips on working with a go-getter client

Pitching new ideas/work (i.e. projects) to them

• Tell and show them what the competition has missed
• Take them through the steps to the end result
• Don't go in too much detail; attach that for later reading
• Emphasise action points
• Where possible, boil down complicated issues to "quick fixes"

Writing proposals or reports for them

• Give them lots of options, and then narrow it down for them
• Emphasise results and action points
• Put the nitty-gritty details in an addendum
• Show them how they can move quickly

How to present to them

• Be prepared and well-organised
• Stay grounded; no pie-in-the-sky proposals
• Give them a win-win: "What I want, is also what you want."
• Be concise, and get to the point; don't meander

Get a foot in the door with them (make a good first impression)

• Make an appointment to see them
• Be businesslike and efficient, and cut to the chase: what can you do for them?
• Give examples of similar work you've done, and be prepared to back it up
• Tell them about your practical experience in this area

Giving feedback, or delivering bad news

• They are not afraid of bad news, so give it quickly
• Show them what has been learned from the bad experience, which you may be able to apply in the future
• Be specific: How did such-and-such hinder the project?
• Give positive feedback that shows what worked

How to communicate with them (i.e. keep them happy)

• Email is best; give them lots of clear, concise information
• Keep them updated at every stage
• Remind them of the benefits of what they're doing (or saving)
• Let them know every time you've fulfilled a promise

Chasing for feedback (or an invoice)

• A short, concise email will do
• Remind them that one phase is finished, and the sooner you can "move on" (i.e. "get paid"), the sooner you can get to 'phase 2'
• Summarise in bullet points what you have achieved so far, and ASK for their feedback
• Don't get emotional: think 'brisk, efficient and businesslike'