Carrot isn’t ashamed to admit that yes from time to time we are turned down by clients. We aren’t an agency full of salespeople so we rely solely on our creative minds and genuine nature to win big business. We pride ourselves on being humble. Sure, WE know we’re freaking awesome but sometimes is takes time for YOU (the client) to realize that.
Recently at a client pitch where “team biz;” (@jpbrunelle, @katykelley, @mopostal, @mikegermano and @kaitvillanova) pitched a boatload of creative brilliance. During the pitch they oooo’d and ahhhh’d and we left their office with firm handshake and a lofty assumption that the pitch went well. Beers all around.
A week later, we received an email that began “thank you for coming in, although we have decided not to move forward…” this is right about when I hear the Charlie brown teacher’s voice. I shared the email with the team, we all shrugged in astonishment, Mike swore and threw a football at the intern and then we went back to work.
Later that day I pondered the scenario, and it dawned on me, they just aren’t that into us. Queue the popular in 2007 dating meme “He’s Just Not That Into You.” An affirmation to remind people who are dating not to take it personally if you don’t hear back from the date-e.
Finding the right agency is similar to dating, right?
Here’s the process:
It all starts with a client on the prowl searching for the perfect fitting agency. They ask sister agencies, friends in the industry, and perform their due diligence. (admit it, you’ve Googled or AT LEAST Facebook stalked pre-date).
Once a client get the thumbs-up from friend or trusted source, they make initial contact. This includes some kind of introduction, coffee meeting, or can get as specific as sending a RFP beforehand.
From here, the agency performs a quick but rigorous research to find out everything they can about the background of the client, history, what agencies they worked with in the past (exes) what kind of budget they are likely working with (job/resume). After competitive research is complete, the agency replies with as equally diplomatic note.
Then, the big moment, the initial pitch (first date) is scheduled – close enough to stay excited but far enough away that you have time to prepare…
Cool. Calm. Collected.
The pitch: Over-zealous outfit selection (first impression is the only impression, right?), slides prepared, extra coffee that morning and BOOM.
When a few weeks go by and you still haven’t heard from the client, the first thought might be REJECTION but perhaps that’s a myopic thought?
Maybe it’s not your work, your people, the budget, or even your ideas. They’re Just Not That Into You(r agency). They have decided to go with someone else and that’s that. There should be no hard feelings! You now have a relationship with that client and they may consider you in the future but don’t waste time or get caught up thinking you’re now a beleagured agency.
As a social media agency, Carrot Creative prides ourselves on being pioneers in the industry, bringing concept and brilliant design to fruition for all of our clients. Sometimes, like the situation that promoted this blog post, a client doesn’t choose us and I think it’s a good lesson to shrug it off, grab a beer and get crakin’ on the next RFP response. You can’t win them all, but you can most certainly lose every single last one of them. You’ve got to try if you’re going to succeed.
