I Waited 18 Months For This
Post written by Missy Johnson, Principal, MJMeetings, LLC | Meetings Consultant | Gourmet Food & Wine Enthusiast | Sports Fan
18 months ago.
That’s when I first met with a promising prospect.
After our initial meeting, I was convinced they would be an excellent partner for MJMeetings. Their needs aligned well with my professional experience, they had a corporate culture that resonated with me, and they respected how my unique skill set could help them.
But 18 months ago they were going through a transition on their Executive Team. A key executive was retiring but hadn’t yet named a retirement date. Once a retirement date was set, a new executive was hired. The transition plan had to take place after retirement parties, both internal and external, etc.
18 months.
I had no choice but to be patient because I understood the timing wasn’t right for them to begin working with a new meetings partner.
Through the transition, I maintained steady communication with my contacts and reassured them I was the right partner for when they were ready to move forward.
18 months.
Now, after a recent meeting with them, they’re ready to move forward. This experience has reminded me about the critical power that timing has in the life-cycle of my business. And that persistence and patience is the only way my business will grow.
I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to know that the timing is finally right for my new client.
I waited 18 months for this.
I can’t wait to get started.
Well done Missy! Finding that balance between offering timely, persistent communication and being the “professional stalker” seems to the challenge du jour for sales people. Kudos to you for striking that balance and for earning this client’s trust and business! I’m sure you’ll do great things together!!
Jon
Thank you Jon for reading and commenting. I appreciate your support and I know you can relate. Have a great end to your summer and we’ll see you soon I hope!
Great post, Missy…and congratulations! You’ve done a great job of articulating the fact building trusting relationships is key and business development is a marathon and not a race. I always enjoy your blog posts, btw.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate your feedback as I continue to ‘beef up’ my blog content.
Have a great weekend!