I think Josh and I have met some of the same people:
Now the big question. Would you be willing to give up 30-40% of your budget, and perhaps your staff, to fix the customer service problem? Are you willing to fix the problem, with your budget?
To many of us that work within the social media world the answer seems obvious, but when you start dealing with organizations and internal politics you sometimes get answers like: “That’s their problem, my job is X.” or “Then you’d be cutting my budget.”
Unfortunately it’s not your budget or their problem, it’s everybody’s problem. And it you don’t help them fix their problem, then all of you will have much bigger things to worry about.
Source: hyku | blog – Are You Willing to Fix the Problem, With Your Budget? – by business blog and social media consultant Josh Hallett
Josh is talking about a huge problem in business. Heck I’ve seen it. Heck I’ve protected my budget for no other reason than “it’s my money”. The real question is how do you help a client, or potential client, get around and through this?
I think if I had the magic/easy answer I’d be rich because I would have a) more clients, b) more billable hours, and c) a best-selling book. Regardless of the obvious lack of silver bullet, I think part of the key is persistence. You try to stay engaged with the client. Make compromises so maybe they can do a pilot project for a lower cost. Work with them. Identify the problems so that you can make that client a hero in their company.
And if all else fails, have a stiff drink, shake your head, and move on.
