End nicely

It's always important to end your relationships with grace. I was at a party Saturday and bumped into a former client. He hugged me and spoke so glowingly about me even though we decided to part after three years.

This morning I got into the office and he'd called to give me some business. So, I guess even in grace when losing a client, there's the possibility of working with them again.

So...end nicely.

Do it for loyalty

An entrepreneur I admire asked me to write a story for a new publication that she's publishing. Payment is coming from another source. When I found out the fee, I was stunned by how low it is and I told her. She said she'd try to get more. Nonetheless, to impress her and to make her look good before these high-profile folks, I decided to go on and do it. This will be my entree to show her my work and commitment. So, maybe that will be a first step toward bigger/better assignments. However, I made it clear that I'm doing this for her and will not accept another assignment for such a low fee.

Even if you lost the account, the pitch will help with marketing

Last week, I pitched for new business before a stellar group of client representatives. I was compelling and explosive. Nonetheless, I knew it was going to be a real challenge to land the account because I was up against two New York firms and folks are impressed with that. So, I used the opportunity of the presentation to acquaint everyone with my firm and added some extra zingers that would make us memorable.

When I got the notice that MELODY'service didn't get the account, the letter indicated that the client was impressed and maybe they could use our services in the future.

So, it wasn't a waste...particularly if we are called to do a la carte assignments.

On volunteers

When you're being paid and volunteers are donating their time, you must be prepared to take over and to be patient. This just happened over the weekend for a project I'm involved in for a client. The client wanted me to use volunteers and, despite my concerns, I gave them assignments.

However, many of them didn't complete their tasks. Without chastising them or "reporting" them to the client, I picked up the slack and completed all of the jobs. However, a frank discussion will follow on this but without alienating the volunteers. They will be put in "non sensitive" assignments whose success does not hinge on their involvement.

Rest, Reflect, Regroup, Reboot

The first of the year is time for reflection. Take the time on this holiday to rest.

Tomorrow the workyear starts and today I'm resting, rebooting, regrouping and reflecting. I plan to re-evaluate relationships and have already decided to sever ties with my realtor.

But, it is definitely time to re-charge. It's a NEW YEAR! Bury 2011 and vow to begin anew.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Results!

It is so exhilarating to get results! After many rejections, a compelling pitch got a "YES" from NBC5 for a client.

And, when it's a major hit like NBC, all of the hard work and anguish and frustration make it worthwhile.

So, you didn't get the account

Always be gracious when you don't get the account. I've gone from second place to first place on many occasions. Why? Oftentimes the "winner" over promises and the client discovers very quickly that the number one can't deliver.

Whether they call on you hinges on how you handled the rejection initially.

I always send a "Thank you for the opportunity" note and indicate that if something doesn't work out that you'll be glad to work with them.

That type of graciousness is the door opener for when the first choice flames out. And, it's the type of response that has helped MELODY'service get the account. So, you can go from a bridesmaid to a bride with the correct and measured way of handling the initial "Sorry."

Whoo Hoo!