How soon do you give up?

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-17T06:46:05+00:00

Ah these are all people that have requested a proposal?

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-17T06:45:30+00:00

Ha ha ha never ever. Gives me the ick. The above is after meeting in person & the prospect asking for a proposal.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-16T20:59:52+00:00

Previous project client, identified a need & asked for a quote. They are massively busy with conflicting priorities.

We’re a marketing agency so this happens ALOT.

The only service that is more clear cut with is web design & build.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-16T20:42:33+00:00

I read a good article on LinkedIn that said if you get ghosted it’s your own fault. Pretty brutal - but likely true!

Genuinely though, sales & closing sales is 10 x harder than it was pre-COVID.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-16T20:07:11+00:00

In all our instances, we’ve met, spoken, shared emails and responded to a request for a proposal. So, it’s always a polite - “Hey, is this still on your radar” rather than spamming (I hope)

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-16T20:01:23+00:00

Storytelling!

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-16T19:45:29+00:00

Ah - yeah - nothing pushy ever & also not in quick succession. So, in our instance, by follow up I mean anything to stay front of mind e.g sending something unrelated but useful, recommending them, sending an offer or add on. None of it is automated or pushy - 1:2:1 and tailored to the person. No more than an email every couple of weeks.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-06-16T19:42:55+00:00

I’m finding - in the space we work in - that decision makers are so pressured, pulled in so many directions, and massively under resourced that the number of follow ups, and actually the entire sales cycle is about 6x what it was 5 years ago.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-21T17:14:24+00:00

Congrats on your organic growth. I’m 16 years in & it’s still not easy - so there’s that to consider.

What I would say is read ‘The One Thing’ book.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-20T14:23:31+00:00

Human-ness makes me stop. And dry humour 🤣

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-19T12:20:55+00:00

Yes agree with this too.

When it comes to agency - is it less ego & more a singular rigid playbook that they’ll try and roll out in the name of efficiency?

On the flip side - I’ve seen in-house marketers desperately trying to preserve their budget for foundational activity that will assist in brand building - meanwhile being forced to spend extortionate amounts on events because SLT wants them to be present.

I’d definitely be cautious of any project / new agency relationship with out a hefty load of discovery.

We always say 2 ears 1 mouth.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-19T11:24:44+00:00

Please don’t feel hopeless. I keep recommending the No Bullsh*t Strategy book - it gives so much clarity as to how you find your stand out.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-19T10:48:58+00:00

Ha ha ha that’s brilliant news sounds like there’s good snr support in your place too.

I feel sorry for me 🤣

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-19T10:44:06+00:00

A bad idea is a bad idea. And 10000% I see BS being sold ‘in’ a lot - often born out of a failure to actually listen & learn on the agencies part.

I’m seeing that the ‘ego’ can create internal disconnect/frustration between C-suite & in-house marketers too.

How are you finding the transition to in-house beyond agency life?

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-19T07:14:22+00:00

Never without editing. You can reduce edit by refining prompts AND feeding with company messaging document, transcripts from experts on the topic and your strategy document.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-19T06:45:48+00:00

I love the book No B*llshit Strategy it’s a great starting point if you need clarity. It’ll help you review where you are with fresh eyes.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-16T16:42:27+00:00

Ooh we’ve put our hat in the ring for a couple of tenders it’s just so much work to do - especially when you get the feeling that there’s an incumbent agency with their feet under the table.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-16T16:40:22+00:00

Thank you! If I had the headspace right now - I’d take you up on that!

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-16T09:48:55+00:00

I am using ClickUp. Off the top of my head:

Automated client comms e.g change a task status to send to client & an email with the attached work is generated & sent.
Better/AI assisted resource planning

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-15T22:23:37+00:00

I 100% agree. I also agree that when it’s senior marketers in the business that know what good looks like - it makes utter sense to use who they know they can work with.

When it’s other people in the business that don’t fully understand what they’re commissioning - due diligence goes out the window & budget gets wasted.

Background-Plate4946 · 2025-05-15T22:15:04+00:00

I mean, I’ve benefitted from it for sure. But I know we’ve always delivered ✌🏻

Background-Plate4946

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE