A year or so ago a couple of enterprising women in our area decided to help revitalise the local economy by organising an Artisan Market.

To cut a long story short, it's been a huge success. Every month or so a ton of specialist food and craft stalls set up for a day in Wilmslow. And the town gets flooded with folks like Kathy and me wandering round buying stuff.

It's worked so well they've started up similar markets in three more of the surrounding towns.

What's been really interesting for me is just how willing people are to pay “top dollar” for stuff that's been cooked or crafted with care.

Personally I can't really tell the difference between an artisan-crafted spelt flour loaf and a half-decent one you might get down the supermarket. But it just feels good to buy stuff from someone who cares about what they do, and does it with skill.

It's the same with our clients.

If we could stop trying to appear “professional” and “corporate” for just a minute we'd see that many clients like to buy from artisans rather than supermarkets.

They want to see authenticity, passion for what we do and deep capabilities. Not just dull uniformity and a safe corporate pair of hands.

Of course, not all clients want to hire artisans. And most of us buy our basics at the supermarket. It's only when we want something special we call in the artisan.

But for me, I'd much rather be an authentic artisan than a buttoned-down corporate any day.

How about you?

Would you rather be an artisan?

And if so, what are you doing to ensure that's how your clients see you?