As a new business, we rely on creating a pipeline of leads to try and grow our agency. The more we grow, the more the organisations we work with grow as we can invest in people, training and development. The marketing blogs we write are all freely accesible to anyone who wants to read them and this is as much a post asking for advice as giving it and based on a recent problem I have experienced.
In a nutshell, I recently identified a prospect who was wasting money on unsuccessful marketing. He also had a very poor brand identity, performed badly in organic search and would have complimented Bath Marketing Consultancy’s client base due my sector experience. I approached him and we had 3 subsequent meetings lasting about 45 minutes each time and were really getting on.
He requested a formal proposal which I submitted identifying key strategies and initiatives over a 6 month period with costings…………..and he has now gone underground. Not only that, his pa has obviously been briefed to use the ‘he’s in a meeting’ line and he has blocked my number on his mobile. To top it off, I have started to notice that some of the initiatives and advice we discussed have been implemented…………..not by me.
I believe that I am a good judge of character and this particular person never gave any indication that he was never going to engage me. However, it has become abundantly clear that he has simply used my experience and advice for his own gain.
In my numerous years in the marketing industry, I have come across certain people and situations where the personalities don’t work. In addition, there have been times when I haven’t won what I pitched for. However, this is pretty much the first time this type of thing has happened and, in a small business community such as Bath, word can get around.
Are there any steps to prevent this type of thing happening? Do I name and shame the prospect in question to make sure he doesn’t do it to anyone else?
Advice would be much appreciated [email protected]
