You can tell a lot about a company based on how much they're willing to share with you.

Because transparency in IT isn't just about open communication.

Let's dig a bit deeper into what transparency really means and why it's absolutely crucial for both attracting new clients and keeping existing ones happy.

What does transparency really mean?

As I mentioned, transparency in IT isn't just about open communication. It's also about things like no hidden costs, clear service descriptions, and straightforward collaboration terms. This might seem obvious, but a lot of companies, especially in IT, don't reveal the full cost upfront. Instead, they hit you later with a wave of "additional" expenses that were always part of the deal but left out at the start.

But why didn't they mention them earlier?

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Tips on how to be transparent

After more than a decade in the IT industry, we've tried to be as transparent as glass. We've learned a lot along the way, and here are some of the most valuable tips we can share:

Be upfront about costs

Costs are often a tough one for IT service providers. How do you present the lowest possible price to get a client to sign the contract? Some companies might only include immediate costs in the agreement, leaving out the ones that come up later. Then, when those costs do pop up, it feels like a surprise. Don't fall into this trap. Make sure the initial agreement clearly lays out all foreseeable costs – right from the start.

Regular progress updates

Clients shouldn't feel like they're "buying a pig in a poke." Set up regular project updates and status reports. In IT, where so much is intangible, this kind of transparency is essential for building trust. Make sure your client knows where their project stands, what challenges you're facing, and what's left to do.

Be honest when things go wrong

It's easy to be transparent when everything's on track. But real transparency means speaking up when there are problems, too. Delays, bugs, unexpected hurdles... it's better to let the client know early on than to scramble for excuses later.

Clear collaboration terms from the start

Don't leave your client guessing about how the collaboration will work. Will the code you create be their property? Will they have access to all their data once the project ends? What are the terms for canceling services? These details are often overlooked, but setting them clearly from the beginning is a smart approach.

Be realistic about timelines

IT isn't magic, and projects rarely finish ahead of schedule. If you know a deadline is tight or unrealistic, say so upfront. Nothing ruins client relationships faster than broken promises.

Final thoughts

In the IT world, trust is built one step at a time but can be lost in a second. That's why it's so important to stick to clear terms, open communication, and honesty – right from the very first conversation.