I was asked to quote a business owner a price for a yearly marketing campaign.

After visiting his location, reviewing his products and services and interviewing his staff I presented my quote.

He looked at me and said, “that’s more than I as the owner make in a year.”

My reply: “and?”.

He responds, “well I can’t pay you more than I make, that wouldn’t seem right.”

Me: “seem right to whom?”

Him: “well, me.”

Me: “and that’s why I can’t help you.”

Him: “what do you mean you can’t help me?”

Me: “you refuse to see the bigger picture, you are more concerned by how much you pay others and how it effects your ego.”

Him: “well, maybe if we can lower the price a bit then I’ll feel comfortable.”

Me: “you will never feel comfortable no matter how much the price is lowered.”

Him: “how can you make an assessment of me, when you’ve only been here a few hours?”

Me: “I didn’t make that assessment over the few hours I was here, I made it in the last few minutes of this conversation…and frankly, we’re done.”

Moral of the story:

A client may look the part, sound the part and even act the part, but if at anytime your gut tells you something is off, walk away.

Rob Anspach

Anspach Media | Website | + posts

Rob Anspach is affectionately known as “Mr. Sarcasm” to his friends. To everyone else, he’s a Certified Digital Marketing Strategist, Authority Amplification Expert, Best-Selling Author, Podcaster, Speaker, and Publisher who helps entrepreneurs, experts, and organizations expand their influence, credibility, and legacy.

With more than 25 years of experience building brands and positioning leaders as industry authorities, Rob specializes in authority marketing, storytelling strategy, and digital visibility. He is known for helping experts move beyond simply being known… and become respected, trusted, and remembered.

Rob has authored, co-authored, or produced 60+ books covering topics such as social media marketing, podcasting, copywriting, personal injury law, military law, entrepreneurship, customer experience, life lessons, scams, sarcasm-driven business strategy, and more. His publishing and authority-building clients include attorneys, speakers, doctors, consultants, real estate professionals, coaches, and corporate leaders seeking to elevate their visibility and thought leadership.

He is also the host of The E-Heroes Podcast, featuring 380+ interviews with entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry disruptors. The show is distributed across major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and additional global streaming networks.

Through consulting, publishing, and strategic authority positioning, Rob works with businesses and organizations worldwide to help them increase revenue, strengthen brand trust, and capture high-value online opportunities.

Rob is available for speaking engagements, media interviews, podcast guest appearances, and corporate training programs focused on authority marketing, legacy branding, and strategic visibility.

To learn more or to get started, visit www.AnspachMedia.com or call Anspach Media at (412) 267-7224.