We start with small projects with new clients. Let's see if we're a good fit. Going too fast too soon is creepy.
We still do business every month with our first client. We still do business every month with our second client. We still do business every month with...
Building long-term relationships with clients isn't the only viable approach to business. Nor is it hold any intrinsic moral advantage over alternative transactional styles. We just prefer it.
It works for us. It works for our clients. It works for the way we build software.
Even if we can "just tell" from the first meeting that we're obviously soul-mates, it's weird to ask somebody to marry you right away.
We don't do that.
Thankfully, software projects are conducive to this approach. Even if the overall goal is huge and ambitious, we can always break it down into small chunks.
Then start with the first small chunk. See how things go.
Our goal is to be perfect gentlemen, show you a good time (providing tangible value), and see what the future may hold... in time.