Tamra wrote:
>Right at the end of the meeting, when we were both shell-shocked, the VP
>(who is the decision maker but who we'd never met or heard from before this
>meeting) put Bruce on the spot and got a verbal confirmation that we'd get
>them the phase II proposal ASAP and would meet again in two weeks. If he'd
>asked me I'd have mubled something non-committal, but Bruce's first
>instinct is to say yes when he's asked to do something.
I can understand giving the wrong answer when put on the spot, especially
when shell-shocked. However, it would be very honest, honorable and
appropriate for the two of you to email or write a letter to the
prospective client saying something like, "After further discussion between
ourselves, we have decided that we should no longer pursue a working
relationship with your company, as our experience to date has shown that
it's not likely to be an enjoyable partnership. Please eliminate us from
further consideration."
It would be dishonest for you to further pursue a client relationship that
you don't really want. Listen carefully to your intuition and instincts. If
your heart is not in this pursuit, then don't go any further. Don't waste
any more energy on it, especially since it's only likely to lead you down a
dark alley where you'll be subjected to more abuse.
If your husband insists upon going forward, tell him "Fine. Have fun. I'll
have nothing to do with it. You're on your own."
Usually people show you their true colors, tell you what they're really
about, early in the game. Apparently these people are jerks. I doubt that
you'd somehow be able to manage a relationship with them in such a way that
they'd be anything other than jerks. Going deeper into a relationship with
them is likely to create only more pain and suffering. Life is too short.
Getting along with easy clients is hard enough; why take on those you know
will be trouble?
Furthermore, these people NEED to be told that they're jerks. It's in their
best interest to know that their style is ineffectual. But of course you
must do that politely.
Suz
Suzanne Stephens, Stephens Design; Ashland, Oregon
541-552-1192 http://www.KickassDesign.com/
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