So, I emailed this web application development company yesterday regarding one of my start-ups. I asked some simple questions, given that I am not a web geek, web guru, or techie-brilliant tool. A gentleman named "Will" emailed me back today asking a little bit about my idea, my business background and funding.

I wrote up a detailed description of my idea and sent it off to him.

His response?

"So you know, I've seen a similar idea come across our company and our partners companies several times. I think its very difficult to solve this problem and raise money.

Another question is about your background. Investors may say "why you?".

Will"


Now, I'm confused. I don't believe I was asking for business advice, or whether or not they have already done something like this or how I'm going to come up with the money. I certainly did not ask him for advice on how to consult with investors and explain why they should invest in me.

"Will,

No offense, but I didn't ask for your pessimism, I asked what your company could do, how much it might cost, and how it might be done. I can take care of the business side, find my investors and get the funding I need. I have worked on several other start-up businesses and I'm simply not a pro at web development. Of these other similar projects, how many have seen success? There are other, similar sites out there, but none with the knowledge and background I have behind touring and artist development.

If you cannot answer those questions, I will continue on to find someone else who can.

Thanks."


Every day that I come in contact with someone who offends me, especially in direct connection to the business-to-business deal we could have potentially worked out, I have to think about how this is going to effect my future business. I am not trying to sound threatening, but I can't understand why someone would respond in such a way not knowing who I am, what I do, where I come from, or who I am associated with. All I am asking is, "What can your business do for me?"

If you can't answer that question, please don't bother to respond to my email. I'll feel unfulfilled, but I'll be far less offended than I am if you respond as poorly as Will did in this unfortunate circumstance.

Labels: business, customer service, failure, start-ups