What do you do if your marketing ideas clash with your clients' expectations?

1 Listen First

When you first encounter resistance, it's crucial to actively listen to your client's concerns. This isn't just about letting them speak; it's about understanding the reasoning behind their expectations. Clients often have valuable insights into their industry, brand, and customer base that you might not be privy to. By listening, you acknowledge their expertise and show respect for their perspective. This builds trust, which is essential for any successful collaboration. Moreover, their feedback can provide a foundation for a compromise that incorporates both their vision and your innovative ideas.

2 Assess Fit

After hearing your client out, evaluate how your marketing ideas align with their brand identity and goals. Sometimes, what seems like a groundbreaking concept might not be the best fit for a particular client due to their market position, target audience, or company values. It's your job to bridge the gap between innovation and brand consistency. If your idea is indeed a good fit, gather evidence to support this. If it's not, be prepared to adapt your strategy or even let go of the idea in favor of something that better suits your client's needs and expectations.

4 Offer Options

Giving your client options can make them feel more in control of the situation. Instead of presenting a single take-it-or-leave-it idea, offer a range of concepts that vary in terms of innovation and risk. This approach allows your clients to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the path they're most comfortable with. It also demonstrates your flexibility and willingness to collaborate, which can strengthen your professional relationship.

5 Compromise Smartly

Finding a middle ground is often the key to resolving clashes in marketing strategies. Work with your client to identify elements of your idea that they're willing to consider and aspects of their vision that you can incorporate into your plan. This compromise should not be about watering down your idea to the point of ineffectiveness but rather merging the best of both worlds to create a strategy that satisfies both parties. A smart compromise shows that you value the client's input and are committed to achieving their goals.

6 Educate Tactfully

Sometimes clients resist innovative ideas because they're not familiar with the latest marketing trends or technologies. In such cases, it's part of your role to educate them—tactfully. Explain the benefits and potential of your ideas in a way that's easy to understand, without overwhelming them with jargon or technical details. Help them see how these innovations can give them a competitive edge. Your goal is to enlighten, not to patronize, so maintain a respectful and patient demeanor throughout the process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?