How do you know your potential client or current client is telling you the truth about their working background/history and product they are marketing?
Speaking from experience... I would google all of your clients and call upon references before you start working with a client. Often times you can take on a project for a number of reasons (the pay is great, you believe in the project, etc.) without thinking twice about finding out who your client really is and their background. You might make the mistake of going into business with someone who is not who they say they are and then you've opened up your resources and network, causing your reputation to be on the line. You meet with your client and they give you the Cliff Notes version of their life and why they are needing your marketing support and how great they think you are. Well of course they think you're great- you are telling the truth and really have the relationships and background you say you have. They (client) on the other hand are not trustworthy. You begin working with them and after about 7 months (which is usually when I notice weird patterns and when companies either rise or fail) and find they are running out of budget, not paying you your consulting fees on time and were using you for your connections the entire time. That was their motive all along.
I will talk more in a few days about some descriptive examples of working situations gone bad. I think we can all learn from one another. It only makes you stronger right? I'm not saying that all marketing professionals/entrepreneurs always are betrayed or lied too- I'm wanting to share my stories and hopefully save others from misery and wasting their time. Stop the red flags before they start adding up!
If you have any marketing consulting stories to share on my blog--please do! Bring it on...
Whitney
