What exactly is it all about?
Well, I will have to take you through those 9 sleepless nights and restless days of april 2010. I felt exactly like an anxious girl who keeps plucking petals of a flower murmuring “ He loves me. He loves me not” in anticipation.
After all the wishes I received from my fellow MSeans, I was sure my new venture of an advertising agency will be a success. The hunt was on, new people joined, pitches were made, and negotiations were on. Unfortunately there was no breakthrough in the first month.
One fine day while I was playing with my 3 year old kid ( on a working day at 11 am when most of the people are busy with their office work ),
The cell rang.
Me : Hello. Ocean Communications.
She: Mr. Vijay?
Me: Yes
She: Hi! This is Seema. Calling from XYZ Pvt. Ltd. This is regarding the presentation you made to our CEO, He wants to have a word with you.
My kid started pulling the cell
Me: OOH ok. Yah ( whispering to my kid NO NO )
She: Pardon me?
Me: Yah. May I speak to the CEO?
She: Please hold the line,
I ran away from my kid and locked the door from inside.
CEO: Mr Vijay. Good morning
Me: Good morning Mr. XYZ.
CEO: That was a nice presentation you made.
Me: Thanks Sir
CEO: Can we meet sometime post lunch?
B(Pretending to be busy) Well I need to check my schedule hmmmmm… Sure! How about 3:30 pm?
CEO: Can we make it 4?
Me: sure sir.
CSO: Ok Mr. Vijay, See you at 4:00
4:00 pm ( day 1)
I met the CEO and he started sharing his product information and launch plans. Took a glance at the agency rate card and asked me to revise it and submit it the next day.
Day 2
We celebrated during lunch with pizzas and were happy that “Ek bakra Fasa”
The CEO called
CEO: your rates are on a higher side Mr. Vijay. Yours is a start up company.
Me: well, that dose not make us any less competent sir. Our work will justify that.
CEO: Hmmmm. Give me some time to think. Will get back.
My heart sank as People who say “we will get back to you” seldom get back.
My colleagues cursed me for acting pricy. Boss! Ek toh clients nahi hai, eek mila usko bhi bhaga diya?
Day 3
Me: Mr XYZ?
CEO: Yes. Tell me Mr. Vijay ( I was happy and hopeful to see that he had saved my cell no.)
Me: Mr XYZ, I request you try our services for 15 days before taking a decision and check for yourself if we deserve the retainer fee we have quoted for.
CEO: Let me think
Day 4
CEO: Please send us a revised proposal ( down by 15%)
Me: ( No option but to do as he says) Ok sir
Day 5
(Personal meeting with proposal)
I had prepared the draft of retainership and presented to him. He looked at it with the mont blank pen in hand.
I felt exactly like an anxious girl who keeps plucking petals of a flower murmuring “ He loves me. He loves me not” in anticipation.
The secretary to CEO (ms. Seema) entered the cabin and informed him that The CS has come to meet him urgently as there were some legal issues needed to be addressed immediately. CEO apologized and asked me to come the next day.
Day 6
Me in the clients office waiting for him to come so he can sign the contract.
Ms. Seema: Mr. Vijay. I am sorry for the inconvenience but the CEO just called to inform that his mother took ill and he won’t be coming in.
Day 7
I was told by a reliable source that another big agency made a presentation to the client.
I was about to loose hope and was thinking which client to pitch next.
Day 8
Ms. Seema on line
She: Mr Vijay. Good morning
Me: ( with a weak voice ) Good morning Seema. I heard there was another agency presentation yesterday?
She: Yes Mr. vijay, Well I am sorry…..
My heart sank…. Ok , Client Gaya Haath se.
She: ….Mr. CEO wanted to sign the contract today but he had to travel to Delhi for an urgent meeting .
Me: (excited but trying to sound calm ) ok. Will wait for him to come
Day 9
Mr CEO called me and signed the contract.
Later on we won 2 more pitches and got business too, but I still remember those 9 days of my life.
The first contract was signed.
