A client keeps calling me "Kim" -- over e-mail. As you can tell by my handle, "K" does not, in fact, stand for "Kim". What's the appropriate way to handle this? I keep signing my name, and he keeps writing back to "Kim".
At least you can be happy that your client isn't calling you "hey you", "hon", or "sweet cakes". The feminist in me is saying, "Wow, what a jerk! I can't believe he can't take the time to notice your name. He must think he's very important." While the practical business woman is saying, "No biggie. Just correct in a low-key way that doesn't threaten him or make him feel dumb." Since I'm sure you want to keep your job, we'll go with option #2.
Correction depends on the communication vehicle. If your only contact is via email, keep doing what you are doing. Eventually, he'll notice the "From" or signature line. Or he won't. He's still paying your bill rate, yes?
If he has an admin or secretary, it would be appropriate to drop a line to her (they are almost always female, aren't they?) and note the correction.
If he mis-speaks on the on phone or in person, a quick "Actually, my name is K", can get him on the right track without making a big deal out of it.
Bottom line--don't make it a "thing". As a lawyer, you are in a service industry and you don't want to risk making your client feel dumb. In the meantime, laugh it off and try using your new moniker at Starbucks.
K--
ReplyDeleteAt least you can be happy that your client isn't calling you "hey you", "hon", or "sweet cakes". The feminist in me is saying, "Wow, what a jerk! I can't believe he can't take the time to notice your name. He must think he's very important." While the practical business woman is saying, "No biggie. Just correct in a low-key way that doesn't threaten him or make him feel dumb." Since I'm sure you want to keep your job, we'll go with option #2.
Correction depends on the communication vehicle. If your only contact is via email, keep doing what you are doing. Eventually, he'll notice the "From" or signature line. Or he won't. He's still paying your bill rate, yes?
If he has an admin or secretary, it would be appropriate to drop a line to her (they are almost always female, aren't they?) and note the correction.
If he mis-speaks on the on phone or in person, a quick "Actually, my name is K", can get him on the right track without making a big deal out of it.
Bottom line--don't make it a "thing". As a lawyer, you are in a service industry and you don't want to risk making your client feel dumb. In the meantime, laugh it off and try using your new moniker at Starbucks.