quizbowler1057
New Member
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- Location
- Northeast Ohio
I've been gone for what feels like an eternity (don't worry, I was working and have an excuse). I thought I'd make a comeback by hopefully stirring things up with controversy:
Background: One of my best clients, "Jim", referred one of his best clients "Bob" to me about a month ago. Bob's laptop was completely destroyed in an accident. I recovered the data and ordered a new laptop. In the process, I pitched him a $30,000 job. We're meeting next week to discuss and hopefully close. Outside of these 3-ish face to face meetings, I don't know Bob at all. We're cordially friendly in the way that you should be with your clients.
As I was walking him through an issue over the phone the other day, he said I sounded down and that he was going to email something that he always uses to get a laugh. I thought nothing of it until I opened an email from him later containing a video, to put it mildly, of a girl and the stick shift of a car.
I don't think it is at all funny, nor do I think it's appropriate. I'm usually very good at making things sound professional, however this incident leaves me speechless.
So:
1. How can I phrase my disgust professionally? All I can come up with is "Bob, I don't think this is appropriate for the relationship we have."
2. He clearly doesn't understand what a professional relationship entails, is it my job to explain that to him, or write it off (which reflects on me)?
3. Would you wait until after the deal? And if this is the kind of thing that he finds to be funny, do you even want him as a client? ($30,000 for 3 days labor may be just enough to sell my soul).
4. Do I ignore it until after the deal closes, tell him I didn't get it perhaps, then when he sends it again voice my stance?
What are your thoughts?
Background: One of my best clients, "Jim", referred one of his best clients "Bob" to me about a month ago. Bob's laptop was completely destroyed in an accident. I recovered the data and ordered a new laptop. In the process, I pitched him a $30,000 job. We're meeting next week to discuss and hopefully close. Outside of these 3-ish face to face meetings, I don't know Bob at all. We're cordially friendly in the way that you should be with your clients.
As I was walking him through an issue over the phone the other day, he said I sounded down and that he was going to email something that he always uses to get a laugh. I thought nothing of it until I opened an email from him later containing a video, to put it mildly, of a girl and the stick shift of a car.
I don't think it is at all funny, nor do I think it's appropriate. I'm usually very good at making things sound professional, however this incident leaves me speechless.
So:
1. How can I phrase my disgust professionally? All I can come up with is "Bob, I don't think this is appropriate for the relationship we have."
2. He clearly doesn't understand what a professional relationship entails, is it my job to explain that to him, or write it off (which reflects on me)?
3. Would you wait until after the deal? And if this is the kind of thing that he finds to be funny, do you even want him as a client? ($30,000 for 3 days labor may be just enough to sell my soul).
4. Do I ignore it until after the deal closes, tell him I didn't get it perhaps, then when he sends it again voice my stance?
What are your thoughts?
