I’ve worked with hundreds of clients over the years, and one of the aspects of my job description that mostly goes unnoticed is also really important: protecting them.
That could mean protecting them from every single marketing service, new platform, or even salesperson that’s coming at them.
And it’s also my responsibility to protect them from themselves at times!
I totally understand how busy my clients are (they have far more money than time), and also that they are “hard chargers,” always looking for that next tactic, technology, or service that will give them a competitive advantage.
For that reason, they often jump and click, sign up, and commit to pay all-too quickly.
So, I encourage my clients to just collaborate with me before they commit to anything.
Often times, I can see right through the sales pitch and tell them what the downside/risk/reality is, giving them a sobering reminder.
Sometimes, I have no feedback and will tell them that.
Or, if it looks like a good deal and they’ll do a good job, I’ll tell you that honestly.
But there’s usually some context or experience I can share with them, OR even tell them about alternatives that are better/less expensive.
It may not seem like a big deal, but can really help you in three aspects:
- Save money.
- Save time.
- Actually have marketing that works!
Bad decisions can set you back in a big way!
For example, this year, I saved one of my favorite longtime clients (a mortgage broker in Ireland) from signing up for an SEO service that would have cost him €70,000 – about $85,000 or so! We hit the brakes and found him some alternatives that basically did the same thing for less than 1/10th of the cost.
And websites, don’t get me started on how much financial planners are paying for very standard websites. It’s highway robbery!
So, feel free to contact me and ask questions about that next marketing service, platform, or technology before you sign up and commit to pay.
Even if you’re not a client, I don’t mind helping you out – call me any time for advice.
In service,
Norm Schriever
7thWaveMedia.com