MY PR FIRM LOST A PITCH….GOOD!
Sunday, December 16th, 2007We lost a new business pitch on Friday… and I am happy.
This potential client came in – Outlined a $7K per month budget and certain expectations – Extensive strategy (including a day off-site at the client’s office), endless media placements and oversight by a very senior team member. This for a 3 month “test” period as they had never before used a PR firm.
They came from another firm’s office who had promised them this. They were amazed when I told them we wouldn’t meet the other firm’s offer and in fact weren’t interested in their business. We wont invest time in a client with unrealistic expectations (and sometimes in my business a better client is one who has already been burnt by a competing PR Agency who over promises). We are brutally honest and deliver what we promise.
All clients aren’t right for us.
Our clients value:
Substance over style (Hits are what we should be judged by – Not the length of our activity reports)
Results over process (We build our client’s business and view Public Relations as strategic and part of the sales process – Not fluff)
Hands-on over BS (We are always accessible and tell the truth – Even if you don’t like it)
One of the toughest things for us as we grow is realizing what clients are a fit for 5WPR – The answer: Clients that value our opinion – Clients that want results, and take chances.
All business isn’t good business.
