I lost a BIG deal recently. It might be “tabled” or it might be gone forever but for now it’s not happening. I was confronted with a unique emotional decision when I “lost” this deal. There was something inside of me that was really happy for the “could have been mine” client. As it related to our working together I was disappointed, confused and actually quite discouraged. There is a history with them though and I have a tremendous amount of respect for them. My desire for them to find success was actually larger than my own self interest. That feeling actually surprised me. I was ready to be pissed for about a month. A week after losing the deal I was trying to help them move on to another project that I would make no money from.
I am not the answer to everyone’s marketing problem. Creating a podcast, an on-line show, or a physical audio product is not the only way for brands and individuals to find success. In light of that truth, I’m not the messiah. I’m not the answer, I’m one answer.
My family is something I hold tight.
My integrity is something I hold tight.
My reputation is something I hold tight.
Potential customers are not something I hold tight. They deserve the best solution and if that isn’t me then I want them to move on. I’d rather point them to the right solution or let them move on to something else and later return to me with the relationship still in tact than try to talk them into working with me.
Cheer for the ones that get away. Help them find success outside of you. It just feels right. Trust me, I’m feeling it right now.
