I was forced to resign an account this week and while I am at peace with the decision, it is still something I am watching because the company is so perplexing.
No one wants to lose a hard won account. You always hope to be successful. But what about when the client is his own worst enemy? When the CEO has no respect for the years of research and training and experience we bring to the table? When the client utters the unimaginable, like, "Well, analytics are meaningless," and "it doesn't matter what our website looks like." I can't even describe the look on my face when he said, "I've run magazines for 20 years, I know what I am doing." That statement is like saying, I've owned several cats, so I am qualified to raise elephants. Frustrating, to say the least.
Our office manager, Louisa, reminds me to just let it go, but it isn't easy. I wanted very much to turn this client around, revolutionize his online operation and bring him higher traffic and demonstratable higher sales.
What do you think? Is it your responsibility to make the client "see the light" or to do your best and then get out of the way and let the chips fall?
