The Professionalism of the “No”

The typical marketing agency contains a unique breed of people, from creatives to strategists, business wizards to wordsmiths and more. Internally it’s quite a spectacle at times to corral everyone onto the same page. It can be quite a powerful rush, especially when the ultimate goal of taking a client to the next level becomes reality. Trust me when I say the word “no” is often heard. But we can take it.

The process of a marketing project is quite complicated at times, and includes the very important element of client input. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes not, but you’d be an idiot to not listen to what your clients have to say. That’s the lifeblood of a healthy working relationship, and frankly clients have great ideas. Often the word “no” is heard, but as professionals we can take it.

But let’s back up for a second. To get to that point of a group (client and agency) coming together and accomplishing a successful campaign or marketing initiative, open conversation and trusting in the people you work with is critical. The word no is often heard, but we can take it.

But let’s back up even a little further. To get to any of the points mentioned above, there has to be a time where a potential client tells the agency “yes” or “no” as to working together. But, somewhere along the way, the word “no” is becoming obsolete, and the new “no” has been replaced with, well, nothing. The new norm in business when saying no is to simply not say or do a thing, even to the point of ghosting someone completely. To say it’s unprofessional is an understatement, and I’m embarrassed for the people that are doing this. With us in particular, we can take it if you say no. and frankly, a no is better than silence. We’ve worked too hard and invested a lot of time and resources into proving to you that we can help you, and we deserve better.

And for me, personally? I’ll continue to respond and give people answers when they are trying to sell me something, because they deserve that. It’s simply the right thing to do.