That’s what one boss once told me as the reason why I shouldn’t be included in new business pitches. According to this boss, you have to be a bullshitter to really sell marketing . According to this boss, you have to simultaneously butter up, suck up and tell the client exactly what they want to hear in order to win their business. And according to this boss, I didn’t have that. I am not a bullshitter.
And he was right. I don’t like lying to people. I don’t feel comfortable sucking up to the, or even stretching the truth. I prefer to be up-front, tell people the truth–even if it’s not what they want to hear. Since starting my business, I’ve always sought to be open and honest. Tactful, of course, but not selling something I don’t believe.
Unfortunately, I’ve had a few experiences recently where perhaps the client was looking for more bullshit than I was able to provide. According to some feedback I received, I did not project enough confidence in these circumstances. Although I didn’t feel that was the case, I can understand where I could’ve been more inspiring. In another situation, I failed to make the case that what we were offering was a high priority, or a necessity. But, perhaps in these situations I didn’t believe in what I was saying–deep down inside. And apparently that came out. Because I’m not a bullshitter.
It’s hard to look at these situations and not feel like I could’ve performed better. After all, there’s always room for improvement. I’m just wondering, would I have accomplished what I wanted to if I were a if I were a “bullshitter?” I’d like to think the answer is that it doesn’t matter. I’m hoping that it doesn’t matter. I’d also like to think that I can achieve what I want to–without bullshit. But clearly, some clients need it. Too bad I don’t have any.