Comments on: A Parody on Client-Vendor Relationships

By: Ron

Ron — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:56:01 +0000

Alex,

I am in the IT services field and it was deja-vu watching the scenes play out…Unfortunately in our line of business we see this kind of attitude more often than maybe in a traditional businesses. Amazing that the same client who in their personal life would not go to Marcus Niemann if they didn’t have the money will expect the highest quality work at dirt cheap rates.

Regards,
Ron

By: Marian Sparks

Marian Sparks — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:29:18 +0000

Alex,

I was watching this video with such seriousness, until I saw the scene where the woman wanted the highlights but could only pay for the trim! I had to laugh out loud (and not because I’ve done it. Seriously I haven’t!)

I gotta hand it to Eric for sending this to you and you sharing it with us. What a great way to reinforce values of mutual respect and quality standards.

Cheers!
Marian

By: Detlev Tesch

Detlev Tesch — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:56:18 +0000

Alex,

About 13 years ago I heard Bryan Tracy giving a talk here in Germany. One point that he made was that you have to fire certain customers.

I agreed with him then and I agree with you now.

Detlev Tesch

Coach Detlev Tesch, EmoTrance Master Trainer

By: Steve Stewart

Steve Stewart — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:46:18 +0000

Now I know what to watch out for…

By: Cathy Perkins

Cathy Perkins — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:44:07 +0000

So true about clients AND vendors. I’ve had to let a few go recently and while it isn’t easy, it is necessary to the health of your business (and your mental health).

So if you have a hard time letting people go, swallow hard, take a deep breath and think about what is good for your business.

Thanks for pointing out these important points. We all need to be reminded.

Cathy – The WordPress Wizard
http://TheWordPressWizard.com

By: Kevin Dervin

Kevin Dervin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:45:47 +0000

Well if it hadn’t happened to me a couple of times in my own small business marketing coaching practice it would probably be LOL funny.

Actually it is funny. Unfortunately, for many small business owners and independent professionals they end up putting up with these kind of clients because they’re so nervous they won’t get new clients. They don’t have a marketing plan and they don’t articulate clear expectations with the clients they do bring in.

Also, too many small business owners under-value themselves and end up attracting the wrong kind of clients who may look like the ones in this video. If it’s happened to you, don’t worry because you’re not alone. Just remember that if you’re not outlining outcomes, roles, responsiblities and expectations then you’re not following all the way through on your marketing & sales flow.

Don’t be afraid of making these mistakes. Just learn from them and resolve to do better and better next time.

All the Best!
Kevin

By: Dolan

Dolan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:30:08 +0000

Wow, amazing how I can feel embarrassed just by watching a video with no one around.

This is hilarious. So true and I will never, ever do that again.

Thanks Alex!

By: Elizabeth Brewer

Elizabeth Brewer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:02:06 +0000

Wow, this is such a hoot! The golden rule of marketing should be the same as the biblical one… Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That would solve the problem of having narcissists take advantage of you. Also drop those who do not do likewise like a hot potato.
Elizabeth Brewer