Marketing Is Not A Matter Of Opinion

Not my first rodeo“So did you fire that client,” Rob asked?

You know this isn’t my first rodeo,” I said. “I have fired clients before and I’m sure I’ll do it again. It always bothers me when someone believes they have more expertise than the person or organization they are hiring for that reason. I’ve been in the middle of that nasty space since I was an ad agency ‘fire fighter’ long ago and far away”.

Rob drawled, “but the question here is whethah you’re the bronc or the rider. Now, I could have said Bull or rider but theahs just too much bull being slung in this discussion.

I’ve been bucked off and I know that it hurts everywhere but most of all deep down in your pride. The thing you got to pay attention to is you got on that ride thinkin’ you might could bring it to rein. When that doesn’t happen you discover it about 6 seconds in and the next thing you know theahs a clown keepin’ you alive.

Reckon I’m your clown. My advice is get out. You’ll burn yourself out arguin’ and any work you do will be damaged by the lack of belief both parties have. Pull your tail out from under granny’s rocker and hie yourself down under the stoop and wait for a friendly face. Believe me, you don’t need the aggravation.”

Kate looked over her glasses at Rob and said, “Bubba, It scares me. I’m beginning to understand you. In this case I think you’re right. There are times when things just don’t work out. I know Fletch was the go to guy in a big ad agency when clients were getting out of hand and I’ve met some of the folks he got back on track. So if he says this time it is different than perhaps he’s right. Maybe it is time to fade into the sunset. But, I’m like him I don’t like to admit defeat.”

“But is it?” Asked Rick. “I don’t think it is admitting defeat. You saddle up in the chute and at that point there’s no doubt who is in charge. Then the gate opens and all hell breaks loose. That’s what happened here. That Bronc or Bull has no respect for you. What did you expect?”

I responded, “In all truth I think of the client as a friend, someone I’ve known for an easy 20 plus years. We have never agreed on politics or how to change government but have always listened to each other. That’s where he earned his spurs about 20 years ago. I would defer to him in that arena without question. But that is not fundraising from the general public for a charity in small amounts. And that is the problem.

He believes this requirement is in his bailiwick and I believe it is in mine. That is not going to change. I grant his expertise in political stuff but not this. And he is just as adamant.

“Two choices,” said Gail. “Walk away or do it his way.”

Chris chuckled and said, “Don’t look now but I think he’s headed back to the chute.”

What would you do? Tell us down below.


Fletch and his marketing buckaroos will return next week. See you then.

Learn more:

Networking, Marketing and Contact Relationship Magic for the “Little Guy”
www.JerryFletcher.com

Speaking on Trust based Marketing, Networking and Inbound Marketing
www.NetworkingNinja.com