The “Bait and Switch” Is Bad For Business

How many times have you listened to a speaker or attended a webinar and you are “hooked” and ready to continue on the path they have set for you?
Well as a speaker and a trainer, I am always on the quest to learn more with current information. If you are a coach, you need to have a coach. If you’re a speaker you need to learn from other speakers and the cycle continues.

I want to share a story with you that happened to me while I was in the cycle of learning.

I received an email from a speaker/coach that was exactly what I needed that day, inviting me to a webinar that week. We all know that it’s all about being open to information when you need it and trying to be open even if you don’t think you need it. This particular information was something I absolutely knew would be tremendously helpful today and tomorrow and the next day. When the webinar was coming to a close, there was an invitation for a 1:1 session with the facilitator. You needed to fill out the info and IF you were at the right level in your business you had a great possibility of being chosen.

Guess what?

I was selected and I was so excited.

The phone appointment was set for the following week and I couldn’t wait. Two days before the appointment I received an email from her office. They wanted to make sure I had the correct time, call in number and that we both were prepared for the call’s agenda. Two final questions were listed with the disclaimer that the responses to these final questions would have no impact on the call and I was not required to purchase anything at all. The only thing that was requested was that I respond as quickly as possible….which I did.

Now I will say once again- guess what?

I received another email which said it was decided that at this time, I was not a viable candidate to take up the speaker’s time. She was way too busy. So I was cancelled…it wasn’t just the appointment that was cancelled, so was I.
OMG

I was beyond annoyed. I couldn’t believe it! So I decided to send an email directly to the speaker and skip Miss Congeniality. What I wrote explained the entire situation from my perspective but I ended it with ” I wish you continued success and so sorry you don’t feel beginning a relationship with me or my Company is worth your while”. I was kind and professional

She definitely got the message as I received an email within minutes letting me know they didn’t really mean to cancel. They meant to reschedule.

Guess who didn’t respond!

There are plenty of other speakers and trainers that I can learn from and already have. Be careful what you promise. It’s always better to under promise and over deliver rather than the other way. Women are known to refer people, businesses and information out 92% of the time. Bet you can guess who isn’t getting any referrals from this woman.

If you have a similar story, I’d love to know how you handled it. leave a comment below, or shoot me an email to judy(at)sellinginaskirt(dot)com