Discussion
Every once in a while a client with truckloads of cash approaches you, demands the very best, most complicated and huge IT solution (website), you both get on exceedingly well, agree terms, start work, and its all good.
One such deal came my way a few months ago, probably the best project of the last 18 months, we were just about ready to start when he moved premises without providing me with a new landline number...
I found out 5 minutes ago that the only reason he ended up going with another company is because he couldn't get in touch and didn't hear from me...
I found out 10 minutes ago Id taken his mobile number down correctly, except for two digits, which were the wrong way around, hence the lack of communication.
Not the end of the world, but
because I share URL's and numbers over the phone all bloody day every day, and I'm meticulous about taking them down correctly.
Ho hum. [sigh] And breathe...
One such deal came my way a few months ago, probably the best project of the last 18 months, we were just about ready to start when he moved premises without providing me with a new landline number...
I found out 5 minutes ago that the only reason he ended up going with another company is because he couldn't get in touch and didn't hear from me...
I found out 10 minutes ago Id taken his mobile number down correctly, except for two digits, which were the wrong way around, hence the lack of communication.
Not the end of the world, but
because I share URL's and numbers over the phone all bloody day every day, and I'm meticulous about taking them down correctly. Ho hum. [sigh] And breathe...
JamieBeeston said:
Why couldnt he get in touch with you?
Did you not have an email contact for him?
J
He "lost" my contact details in the move. Just one of those things, it wasn't meant to be etc. I don't mind loosing a sale to a better sales person, hey thats life, thats business. But to loose a brilliant contract over something so silly...Did you not have an email contact for him?
J
UKbob said:
JamieBeeston said:
Why couldnt he get in touch with you?
Did you not have an email contact for him?
J
He "lost" my contact details in the move. Just one of those things, it wasn't meant to be etc. I don't mind loosing a sale to a better sales person, hey thats life, thats business. But to loose a brilliant contract over something so silly...Did you not have an email contact for him?
J
either way, bummer ;( maybe think about making your brand / contact details more memorable / easier...
J
Cant remember how he found us, praps google, but we hadnt started building the official tech spec in writing (and emailing) - Id called him each time we spoke, week by week discussing what we would be doing in principle... with due respect to the chap he was the lazy sort, there was no tender, and he almost certainly just happily went along with whatever company he ended up speaking to next. Doesnt really matter now, plenty of business to go around etc, rant over.
UKbob said:
Cant remember how he found us, praps google, but we hadnt started building the official tech spec in writing (and emailing) - Id called him each time we spoke, week by week discussing what we would be doing in principle... with due respect to the chap he was the lazy sort, there was no tender, and he almost certainly just happily went along with whatever company he ended up speaking to next. Doesnt really matter now, plenty of business to go around etc, rant over.
I'm a very cynical person but this whole scenario does not smack of lost numbers and emails.I'm in sales at the leading firm in our field, it is common practice for a large client to approach us, get a full spec and breakdown from us and then go immediately to a couple of our competitors who will always have to undercut us.
It really is common for this to happen. The only saving grace on our side is that much of what we do is unique and the client is basically hoodwinked into thinking the others can do it and only finds out they can't at the 11th hour. Occasionally, the smarter ones come back.
Horse_Apple said:
UKbob said:
Cant remember how he found us, praps google, but we hadnt started building the official tech spec in writing (and emailing) - Id called him each time we spoke, week by week discussing what we would be doing in principle... with due respect to the chap he was the lazy sort, there was no tender, and he almost certainly just happily went along with whatever company he ended up speaking to next. Doesnt really matter now, plenty of business to go around etc, rant over.
I'm a very cynical person but this whole scenario does not smack of lost numbers and emails.I'm in sales at the leading firm in our field, it is common practice for a large client to approach us, get a full spec and breakdown from us and then go immediately to a couple of our competitors who will always have to undercut us.
It really is common for this to happen. The only saving grace on our side is that much of what we do is unique and the client is basically hoodwinked into thinking the others can do it and only finds out they can't at the 11th hour. Occasionally, the smarter ones come back.
If a client wanted a wiggley-widget, one which did backflips, we could develop half a dozen types of wiggley-widgets which did half a dozen types of backflips, and/or cartwheels. All of which would meet his needs, all of which would satisfy.
I generally don't spec things up until I have the commitment of a new client. Any functionality required can be developed in twenty different ways, and how much back office convenience or power is afforded to fulfill the front end or technical requirements depends on budget, which is something the client sets, not us.
And yes, there is more to any story than is ever told, had I wished to provide an in-depth account of my blunderings I probably would have
Hows business Beeston? Recovered from le mans yet?
UKbob said:
Hows business Beeston? Recovered from le mans yet?
Le Mans was a little tamer this year.. so recovery was complete before we left french soil...Made all the better by the new staff we've taken on, meant I actually got a weekend away with no phonecalls
now that's what I call progress
J
JamieBeeston said:
UKbob said:
Hows business Beeston? Recovered from le mans yet?
Le Mans was a little tamer this year.. so recovery was complete before we left french soil...Made all the better by the new staff we've taken on, meant I actually got a weekend away with no phonecalls
now that's what I call progress
J
Congrats on the expansion, you old slave driver you
I finally pulled my finger out, new site is in development (old one is 5-6 years out of date, hence no link in profile) and Im setting up 10 new little portals too. Praps one day I'll be able to afford to take a weekend off and go to le mans like you too Jamie 
UKbob said:
Praps one day I'll be able to afford to take a weekend off and go to le mans like you too Jamie
you'd be able to now if you didnt misplace your clients </boom boom>hehe, in all seriousness.. All work, no play makes for a dull time
Then again, Ed tells me you're a bit of a player anyway
J
JamieBeeston said:
UKbob said:
Praps one day I'll be able to afford to take a weekend off and go to le mans like you too Jamie
you'd be able to now if you didnt misplace your clients </boom boom>
JamieBeeston said:
hehe, in all seriousness.. All work, no play makes for a dull time
Then again, Ed tells me you're a bit of a player anyway
J
Aye. Too much work makes jack a dull boy, which is why god invented alcohol for people like us Then again, Ed tells me you're a bit of a player anyway
J
Lets have a few beer then, next time Im up wapping way. As for being a player, whatever did you hear?
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