This chapter considers the factors that can aid the process of interaction between an instructional development consultant and a client. The client-consultant relationship is approached through an analysis of the needs of both the developer and the client that brought them together in the beginning. Ways to build on this beginning are discussed, and the importance of listening skills, non-verbal communication, hidden assumptions and expectancies, danger signals, client reinforcement, and monitoring of the relationship are considered. The importance of an explicit contract between the client and the developer is emphasized, and the contents of such a contract are outlined. One figure is provided. (9 references) (Author/EW)