Respect Yourself Before Others can Respect You
I received a message from an ex-client; he demanded me to answer his questions.
Two weeks back, him and the committee made me wait for an hour to present the renewal quote. When was my turn to present, the whole committee left with the competitor who was presenting earlier. Instead of the whole committee, I was presenting to the chairman and the building manager.
During the presentation, I know I am not going to renew the contract. He said it at least 3 times, telling me that the renewal is out of his hand; if I do not get renewed, I will get another chance next year. Whatever that I can do, my competitor claimed that he can do better and cheaper.
When I feedback my experience to my business partner, she told me that I should have quit the meeting after waiting for 30 minutes. Obviously, the client has no respect for me. Changing me is certain. Waiting for an hour only shows that I am desperate and the committee will exploit my desperation.
My business partner told me that I should have more respect for myself. I have worked very hard to build up my knowledge and service level. If I have pride and higher self-respect, I should not tolerate such disrespectful behaviour. There is no need to yell or start a scene in the waiting room but firmly say I have to leave.
Last week, the building manager called me and told me that the committee has decided to switch service provider. I lost the renewal.
Today I received a message from the chairman. The chairman asked me a list of questions which the current agent could easily answer. I could have ignored the message or give a middle finger to the chairman. I politely repeat what I have said from the last meeting and thanked him for the business. It felt good. If is an earlier me, I would have bend my back and gave him a detailed respond.