So when I had the disasters in October and November with National Executive Search Inc and The Sourcing Institute…the Sourcing Institute made good on their promise and paid me after three months of non payment and one month of no action….and National Executive Search Inc apparently was found to be out of business – not just recently, but apparently went out in July 2018…. I had to find two new clients.
I reached out to a former client a price optimization software company. Had a super run when I engaged with them. Worked with them for 3 years – generated over 22 leads (meetings/discovery calls) per year including getting into some pretty large companies. I left the company when there was a change in the way they managed the lead generation, but left it that I could return if things changed. A few months after I left the person I was “reporting to” was terminated.
Upon doing some research, the company was in need of some business development help. In fact, they were about to post a job ad for both full-time and part time lead gen help so my timing was excellent. To make a long story short, I was directed to call and had a conversation with their VP of Sales – he was impressed with my knowledge, prior history, and years at Kohl’s and granted me another run. Just as I was signing the agreement, the company terminated him – the second or third VP of Sales in three years.
I started working with the President – who liked my copywriting and approved of what I was using. In less than one month, due to prior relationships I was able to source and RFP with a company they had their sights on for five years and a pilot with a company in their targets. I also had done some preliminary emails for NRF given the limited time I had and secured three meetings for NRF.
Just before NRF, the company hired a new VP of Sales. I met him on the introductory call for the opportunity that turned into a pilot…not much was said. He postponed an introductory meeting with me and when we finally met – the only thing he asked me was “how long were you working with the firm” and “is there anything I can get you to help you”. He left me incredibly unimpressed – no strategy, no vision, nothing.
I did not hear anything for a week or two. I sent emails regarding NRF and a lead, but heard nothing. That is until I finally got a call about four days after NRF. I called the VP of Sales back and said, “Wow, I am glad to hear from you – I was getting a bit upset as I couldn’t reach anyone – how was NRF, did you follow up with the lead….” He cut me off and said “We had a marketing meeting this morning and discussed things, we are terminating your relationship with us. I know it is not what you wanted to hear”…. Not what I wanted to hear – my mouth nearly hit the floor, I actually squeaked out – “Even though I just got an RFP and a Pilot?” To which he said “Yes. I have folks who are nice, who I worked with before, and who are local….you had some leads? I know there was one who wanted information – you can turn that and anything else over to me.. Thanks…bye.”
They shut my email off that day. Violated my contract too. I was in shock. Past performance, industry knowledge, company knowledge meant absolutely nothing. This guy who was with the company a total of one month – like two minutes – totally unproven – he didn’t bring in a deal nor close one – was deciding who was right for this company…and moreover – the President – didn’t give a shit. He did not have my back.
I sent my final invoice and told them that – like the other two companies where the relationship ended (either by me or them), we are never to work together.
Any retail technology companies or pricing solution companies that want a fast pipeline built – give me a call. I can bring a lot to you – since clearly – they did not think much of what I could do for them.