If You Want To Keep A Secret: Don't Tell the Boss

I have a client that I have been working with since 1995. Back in the early days my boss wanted to know how come this client kept buying all of the large price packages we were selling even though they were just a small player locally in their marketplace. I, being much like Bert in the sketch above, didn't want to tell him why and how I was able to convince my client the value of the packages we had. My boss was as persistent as Ernie until one day I told my boss all about the client's marketing plans and the reasons why they were pursuing that course of action and how we fit into them. I was like Bert and agreed to let Ernie hold the cookie. My boss asked me to introduce him to my client. I did and the client was happy that he got to meet my boss and was very complimentary of me.

Little did I know that less than a week later, my boss called my client without my knowledge or permission, and sold him a package I wasn't even aware we were going to have! When my client told me I went to my boss and asked about it. My boss told me he had the right to call my client without asking me because I had introduced them and since he wad sold the package I wouldn't get commission on it! I felt like Bert wondering how come I only have half of a cookie.

While it was nice that the company got the money I made it clear to my boss:

1. that he stepped over the line of trust I had with him.

2. He also soaked up the rest of the client's budget for the year (which he argued that if we had it no one else could get it-true),

3. and if the program didn't work we would lose that client

4. if the program didn't work and the client wouldn't have a credible marketing plan for the rest of the year.

5. I also pointed out that he potentially ruined the relationship I had built with the client. 

I threatened to quit if he didn't pay me the commission and if he talked to any of my clients again without my permission I would walk and take my contacts with me.

So what happened?

1. I got my commission.

2. The package was a mixed success.

3. The client didn't have money for the rest of the year and blamed us.

4. We didn't sell him any more packages that year.

5. Their marketing wasn't as consistent which put a small dent in their business, which he blamed on the high priced package.

While I kept the client, it was a year before they spent any money with me again as I had to regain their trust and rebuild the relationship for my company.

All of this could have been avoided if I just hadn't told my boss all of the secrets I knew about this client. So when your boss asks you how come your sales or placements are higher, don't tell him your secret of reading  Ev's Recruitment Answers

Thanks for reading!

Ev

A Heck of A Nice Guy