29 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
29 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Am I Asking Too much

by Troy_Phillips
23 replies
Totally upset a potentially big client today by demanding a non-disclosure.

The gentleman wants a higher level promotion plus a lot of transparency in the actual promotional process. I wouldn't even consider it but there is decent money there, it would be a challenge but it is very doable, and for some reason ... my children have grown quiet fond of eating ... every day.

Now this potential client is a fledgling online marketer that is already quiet successful offline. By fledgling I am saying he is more of a student than he wants to appear and will pay real close attention to how each process is initiated.

He is paying for it .. I could care less if he uses it for his own gain. I just don't want to see it as the next WSO.

Am I being unreasonable in asking for such a clause?

Troy
  • Profile picture of the author webentrpreneur
    I suppose not...Its a competition out there it is staying ahead of the game or one step ahead your competition! So I think it was within your rights to ask for that!
    Signature
    Online Business Strategy
    http://www.my-online-business-strate...ofitrobot.com/
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312748].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
      Really wouldn't be my competition as in face to face but ....

      The formula for the atomic bomb is really just a lot of strings of mathematical equation. These equations have always been. It was just the way these equations were ordered that made them into what they became.

      In one hours time, every person that reads this forum could easily have the perfect promotional campaign laid out. It is right in front of everyone's eyes. The problem comes in knowing what to weed out, what to keep, and what order each phase needs to fill.

      I in no way am saying I have the perfect system .. but it is mine. I have worked hard finding something that works for me .. the majority of the time. I just don't want it being all over the internet in 30 days time.


      Originally Posted by webentrpreneur View Post

      I suppose not...Its a competition out there it is staying ahead of the game or one step ahead your competition! So I think it was within your rights to ask for that!
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312828].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cool Hand Luke
    You are being VERY reasonable.

    The ONLY reason he would dispute signing a non-disclosure would be that at some point he plans to disclose this information.

    Tell him to sign it, or no deal. That's it, that's all.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312765].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dadamson
      Originally Posted by Cool Hand Luke View Post

      You are being VERY reasonable.

      The ONLY reason he would dispute signing a non-disclosure would be that at some point he plants to disclose this information.

      Tell him to sign it, or no deal. That's it, that's all.
      100% agreed.

      Tell him it is mandatory and all clients need to sign this in order to protect your work.

      There are a lot of sneaky people out there.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312789].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Cool Hand Luke View Post

      You are being VERY reasonable.

      The ONLY reason he would dispute signing a non-disclosure would be that at some point he plans to disclose this information.

      Tell him to sign it, or no deal. That's it, that's all.
      Luke is entirely correct. It is your right to include a non-diclosure agreement should you choose to do so. If your client is not ok with that, then walk. Making money is good, that much can't be denied, but the best money comes from the higher character clients.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312930].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author robsm69
    I dont think you are asking too much, but if this is worth a nice paycheck then at the end of the day you got to do what puts food on the table. Also you could turn your promotional techniques into a wso yourself before he does then you could make money at both ends.Just make sure you have your launch start a day or so after youve done the work for him.
    Regards,
    Rob.m
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312830].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
      Midas was elated when his hairbrush turned to gold.


      Originally Posted by robsm69 View Post

      I dont think you are asking too much, but if this is worth a nice paycheck then at the end of the day you got to do what puts food on the table. Also you could turn your promotional techniques into a wso yourself before he does then you could make money at both ends.Just make sure you have your launch start a day or so after youve done the work for him.
      Regards,
      Rob.m
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312849].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      You can offer a choice - transparency and an NDA or get the job done and no transparency. Your client seems to be looking for coaching as much as promotion. If he's been successful offline, he should know why you need an NDA in this case.

      My experience is that if you give in on something when you have misgivings - you've usually made the wrong choice. Is the money you would make on this job worth the potential of losing your process to wide distribution?

      I would be concerned if I were you - but, of course, you control the "transparency", don't you?

      Good luck with this one. Very honestly, I'd be cautious of any client who wanted so much yet became upset so easily.

      kay
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312907].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
        Yeah .. I pretty much told them about ten minutes ago it was my way or no way and I needed to know one way or the other by 9AM my time tomorrow.

        Thank you for your .. well not only your answer here but for some great advice over the last couple of years.

        Troy



        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        You can offer a choice - transparency and an NDA or get the job done and no transparency. Your client seems to be looking for coaching as much as promotion. If he's been successful offline, he should know why you need an NDA in this case.

        My experience is that if you give in on something when you have misgivings - you've usually made the wrong choice. Is the money you would make on this job worth the potential of losing your process to wide distribution?

        I would be concerned if I were you - but, of course, you control the "transparency", don't you?

        Good luck with this one. Very honestly, I'd be cautious of any client who wanted so much yet became upset so easily.

        kay
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4312925].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I don't think you've offered enough info to make a call. The real question is, how exclusive is the technique or strategy you'll be providing? You know, this comes up from time to time for me. And I'll size up the client and make a decision. I ask myself, does this guy have the stuff to pull this off on his own?

    And if he does, why isn't he already doing it? You see the same idea discussed all the time here. It comes from the doubters, the guru bashers. Here it is: "If this guru really had a system that makes big money there's no way he'd be selling it for $37 in some WSO." And for anyone who really knows business, that is total crap.

    Most people are in love with the idea of big bucks but not the effort it takes to get the real dough. There are some serious stats out there that say only 3% of people who take seminars or buy courses ever make money with them. Think of that. 3%.

    And even if more people took action there is still plenty for everyone. If competition has any business person worried, that person should just get a job. I'm not talking about Coca Cola turning over its formula for Coke. I'm talking about simple business models. There aren't really many new ones. It's all been done before. If you spend too much time looking behind you for people who might be copying your method, you'll never see the good stuff right in front of you.

    Now, with all of that said, you have every right to ask for an NDA. And your client has every right to find someone else. What it comes down to is, how bad do you want this gig and what are you willing to do to get it? Are you willing to pass on a good opportunity to make some money because there's a remote chance someone will copy what you're doing? That's the real question. If it were me I'd drop the NDA if the client balks and take the gig. That's the bird in the hand strategy. But that's just me.

    Good luck.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313108].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      ...
      Now, with all of that said, you have every right to ask for an NDA. And your client has every right to find someone else. What it comes down to is, how bad do you want this gig and what are you willing to do to get it? Are you willing to pass on a good opportunity to make some money because there's a remote chance someone will copy what you're doing? That's the real question. If it were me I'd drop the NDA if the client balks and take the gig. That's the bird in the hand strategy. But that's just me.

      Good luck.
      The point is he wants the gig bad - and the client knows it. So he is just playing the game. This is a power play - he is trying it on. Being "upset" is just manipulation, a tactic.

      From my experience, this is not a good opportunity, because the guy will try to avoid paying.

      In the very least, I hope Troy is getting 50% upfront, then maybe we have a deal... otherwise...
      Signature
      "Those who can - DO IT. Those who can't, say it's impossible."
      Jean Paul a.k.a AdwordsMogul
      PHPDevelopers.net - Top of the range PHP developers

      ⇉ Easy Link Saver - Are you tired of the pain of constantly searching for your affiliate links? ( Chrome extension - FREE )
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313234].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
        Actually ..I don't need the gig. It would be nice but there is a big difference in wanting and needing.


        Originally Posted by AdwordsMogul View Post

        The point is he wants the gig bad - and the client knows it. So he is just playing the game. This is a power play - he is trying it on. Being "upset" is just manipulation, a tactic.

        From my experience, this is not a good opportunity, because the guy will try to avoid paying.

        In the very least, I hope Troy is getting 50% upfront, then maybe we have a deal... otherwise...
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313243].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
          Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

          Actually ..I don't need the gig. It would be nice but there is a big difference in wanting and needing.
          Is he going to pay you an advance?
          Signature
          "Those who can - DO IT. Those who can't, say it's impossible."
          Jean Paul a.k.a AdwordsMogul
          PHPDevelopers.net - Top of the range PHP developers

          ⇉ Easy Link Saver - Are you tired of the pain of constantly searching for your affiliate links? ( Chrome extension - FREE )
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313254].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
      Thanks ... already decided a tidy sum now doesn't out weigh long term plans

      Troy


      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      I don't think you've offered enough info to make a call. The real question is, how exclusive is the technique or strategy you'll be providing? You know, this comes up from time to time for me. And I'll size up the client and make a decision. I ask myself, does this guy have the stuff to pull this off on his own?

      And if he does, why isn't he already doing it? You see the same idea discussed all the time here. It comes from the doubters, the guru bashers. Here it is: "If this guru really had a system that makes big money there's no way he'd be selling it for $37 in some WSO." And for anyone who really knows business, that is total crap.

      Most people are in love with the idea of big bucks but not the effort it takes to get the real dough. There are some serious stats out there that say only 3% of people who take seminars or buy courses ever make money with them. Think of that. 3%.

      And even if more people took action there is still plenty for everyone. If competition has any business person worried, that person should just get a job. I'm not talking about Coca Cola turning over its formula for Coke. I'm talking about simple business models. There aren't really many new ones. It's all been done before. If you spend too much time looking behind you for people who might be copying your method, you'll never see the good stuff right in front of you.

      Now, with all of that said, you have every right to ask for an NDA. And your client has every right to find someone else. What it comes down to is, how bad do you want this gig and what are you willing to do to get it? Are you willing to pass on a good opportunity to make some money because there's a remote chance someone will copy what you're doing? That's the real question. If it were me I'd drop the NDA if the client balks and take the gig. That's the bird in the hand strategy. But that's just me.

      Good luck.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313236].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Troy ... long time no see! I agree with Kay. Depending on the person, I might have even gone one step farther and required a no-compete agreement, meaning he couldn't set up shop and offer the same services you do using your techniques.

    Welcome back.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313153].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
      Good to hear from you Dennis,

      Yeah .. I kind of put everything back in my court. The more those that know seem to act as if this would be standard practice the more I realize I probably do not need this one

      Thanks

      Troy



      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Troy ... long time no see! I agree with Kay. Depending on the person, I might have even gone one step farther and required a no-compete agreement, meaning he couldn't set up shop and offer the same services you do using your techniques.

      Welcome back.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313252].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
    In my experience anybody who gets upset about ANY written agreement is waving a huge red flag.

    Secondly, this guy wants to get rid of you - ASAP.

    Either by dismissing you now, because he doesn't want to pay you, or later, once he doesn't need you (because he doesn't want to pay)

    If you stand your ground, you MAY get paid. if you argue about it, you will lose respect.

    If you give in, you will mostly likely wish you didn't, at some point.

    Please let us know what happens next!
    Signature
    "Those who can - DO IT. Those who can't, say it's impossible."
    Jean Paul a.k.a AdwordsMogul
    PHPDevelopers.net - Top of the range PHP developers

    ⇉ Easy Link Saver - Are you tired of the pain of constantly searching for your affiliate links? ( Chrome extension - FREE )
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313207].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sapan Verma
    Why not do a WSO yourself and use the client as a case study Don't have to worry about the client doing the WSO with your methods in that case. Imagine the look on the clients face if you told him if there was no NDA he was a case study Just being cheeky.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313704].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
      A WSO is a entry level price range at best. The deal I just turned down was 5 figures .. it would have basically been a promotion deal with a coaching phase added in.

      Now you see why it won't be a WSO?


      Originally Posted by Sapan Verma View Post

      Why not do a WSO yourself and use the client as a case study Don't have to worry about the client doing the WSO with your methods in that case. Imagine the look on the clients face if you told him if there was no NDA he was a case study Just being cheeky.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4313861].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Hess
    From my experience, the people you bend the rules for are the ones that end up ****ing you...
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4314575].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steven Miranda
    I think you are being very sensible.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4314618].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mikemcmillan
    Troy, glad to see you're bending toward putting ethics (self respect--whatever) before the money. You're potential client sounds like a problem child from the get go. Sounds like you're doing well by keeping tight reins on the situation. I respect your position of at least giving a lot of consideration to the offer rather than immediately taking the money and running. --Good luck with the whole thing! --Mike
    Signature

    I'll help you create a reputation-building evergreen product in any niche and launch it successfully!
    Check it out here.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4314692].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Targeted Traffic
    Nope...its very reasonable and sensible to do so
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4315616].message }}

Trending Topics