If you’re a client, you know this situation: You’re moving to a new agency or service provider to take care of certain mechanisms within your company. There is a long transition process that involves uber-busy departments like IT. But you’re also at the end of your contract with other providers who will not be needed once the transition is complete, and therefore you’d like to go month-to-month.
Makes sense, right?
If you have a reasonable provider, absolutely. You can fully expect a conversation around how they can keep your business, but if you lay it out reasonably and say that you need month-to-month, you should think it’ll be okay. You get what you need, and the provider gets a few more months of money.
So here’s what NOT to do if you’re a provider about to lose a client (for a good reason):
- Don’t antagonize my decision and don’t give me attitude. Do you think I’m going to recommend your services to other businesses I know who COULD use you if you’re giving me that attitude?
- Don’t try to push me into a contract I don’t want. I don’t care if you “prefer to work by contract.” Would you prefer to lose me now or lose me later (with more of my money in your pocket)?
Look, word of mouth is THE most powerful marketing vehicle. And different companies have different needs.
So why would you sabotage your chance of me telling another company “Hey, we ended up moving elsewhere, but they would be an awesome fit for you?”
If my reason for leaving you has nothing to do with issues with your product or service, why mess it up now?
Don’t do it. You’ll regret it way more than you know.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Very good advice Scott. I would add “Be gracious in your parting as that good grace will one day come good another way”
Chris: Perfect summation of the ultimate point. Absolutely agree with you. Thanks for reading!