norajane Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 This is probably more of a rant than anything... I manage all the business partners that work with my company in my region. That's hundreds of different companies, although I focus most of my time on the relationships that are most valuable/profitable, and the others are opportunistic. Frequently, we do joint marketing events with our business partners. One of our partners last year committed, via contract, to fund $30k for one of our larger events last summer. That partner, which I shall call Festering Boil, Inc., pulled out at the last minute, leaving me and our region's marketing director scrambling to find another partner to fill the funding gap...in two days. My boss rolled over and just let them pull out, NO CONSEQUENCES whatsoever, despite our having a letter agreement in place. I vowed there WOULD be consequences, and I would not be granting them access to my region ever again. :mad: Well, Festering Boil, Inc. is not one to just go away when rebuffed. When I hosted a large event last fall, I did not invite them, but again, they weaseled their way in through my boss. Supposedly there was some kind of "personal apology" from their CEO for the summer event fiasco blah blah, they pulled out their contract with my company and pointed to language that granted them access to our events, blah blah. With steam coming out of my ears, I reluctantly issued an invitation. Trying to be a team player. Trying to be accommodating to my boss. :mad: And, of course, Festering Boil is back. I have another big event coming up in a couple weeks with my business partners - events they are contributing funds to attend. Pay to Play. That's the deal. And, because I'm good at my job, ALL my partner sponsorship slots were filled within 2 days, and I've got a waiting list in case a slot opens. Festering Boil caught wind of this event, requested to participate, I respectfully declined, and now they're waving their contract in my boss's face again about being granted access. :mad: And my damned boss is forcing me to give them a slot. :mad: Why? Why is my region the poster child for where this stupid Festering Boil wants to grow? There are 4 other regions! Why don't they ooze somewhere else spreading their nasty pus? I'm so mad, I could spit nails. Anyone have any ideas on what I can do to lance this Festering Boil? Or at least make it less likely they'll ever want to have anything to do with my region again? Link to post Share on other sites
Neutrino Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Hi Norajane, my input : loose the hard feelings - getting mad is only in your own disadvantage - you expose your weakness and the anger and frustration compromise your judgement. Invite them to the event - give them a large stand - in the furthest corner. Try to get whatever benefit you can from the situation. Other than that ignore it. At least this boil doesn't fester in your office on a daily basis.... Minimize contact to the bare necessity. And most important - don't do anything anyone could possibly hold against you. Link to post Share on other sites
Trialbyfire Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 nj, this client is playing a game of client is always right and will continue playing this game until you roll over. What will happen is if they can continue creating a negative experience with your boss, they will, so you look ineffective or grudging. I would discuss this scenario with your boss and ask for input of how to handle this client effectively. Then put those suggestions to practice and see how this client reacts. If they play more games, then allow your boss to make the decisions. Link to post Share on other sites
Author norajane Posted January 9, 2009 Author Share Posted January 9, 2009 Hi Norajane, my input : loose the hard feelings - getting mad is only in your own disadvantage - you expose your weakness and the anger and frustration compromise your judgement. You're right about putting my feelings aside. I'm usually very good at that, but this partner in particular has just been an irritation from day 1 and it's harder for me to stay objective the more often I have to deal with them. I've made it a habit not to respond to them for at least a day or so until I can get my temper under control and reply more professionally. nj, this client is playing a game of client is always right and will continue playing this game until you roll over. What will happen is if they can continue creating a negative experience with your boss, they will, so you look ineffective or grudging. I would discuss this scenario with your boss and ask for input of how to handle this client effectively. Then put those suggestions to practice and see how this client reacts. If they play more games, then allow your boss to make the decisions. You're right - they are playing that game. They are a very minor player in our business and are constantly trying to make themselves more important. They're a minnow in the ocean and wanting to be a whale, but are going about it the wrong way. I did ask my boss for guidance, but he is the one who recommended I roll over. My problem with that is my credibility with my region is at stake. (I work in a matrixed org, so my direct manager is not part of my region). They rely on me to introduce them to and promote our most valuable business partners, and I don't trust Festering Boil. I wish my boss were a different kind of leader. If he were, he'd be taking in my feedback about them, as well as the feedback from the other regions about them, and taking that to management to explain why this particular Boil is not one we should be doing business with and promoting to our clients. But, my boss just tries to keep the peace and not rock the boat. Fortunately, I also asked for assistance from one of my colleagues who has the unenviable task of managing Festering Boil. He is not afraid to take matters into his own hands and was able to explain to them why we can't make an exception for them and if they want to grow from minnow status, they can't irritate the sharks in the process. But, I'm sure they'll be back in the future. Link to post Share on other sites
Taramere Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 But, I'm sure they'll be back in the future. What can you do, other than have some private, spiteful fun in your dealings with them? If it were me, I think I'd shrug and accept that they were going to be sliming their way into every event and grabbing every freebie that they possibly could...while waving the contract in their sweaty little corporate paws. And I'd let them know that, in a joky (but I mean it really) sort of way. In fact, why even wait for them to call up inviting themselves? You could give them a call, or drop them a line, whenever there's some corporate event they'll want in on. Then order in some cardboard boxes of wine with "Reserved for Festering Boil Inc." printed on in blue letters. And have doggy bags made up with "Festering Boil Inc Employee" printed on them. It sounds as though you're not going to be able to freeze them out, so you might as well get stuck in and enjoy this situation. Link to post Share on other sites
Neutrino Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Hi Norajane, One more thing I thought of : to the best of my understanding, Festering Boil wants in on the events to exhibit and generate business. Since you organize the event - this means that indirectly you are responsible for their business. Now, the last thing you want to do is compromise your professional attitude - this leaves only one thing : each time you have to give an opinion to a potential customer of Festering Boil, prase the competition just a little more, divert their customers away, but be very subtle about it so nobody can actually blame you for anything. If Festering Boil themselves say anything - pretend you have no idea. But factually - you still show them who's the boss. Link to post Share on other sites
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