(Note to my students: FIRING a client is not pleasant, especially when it’s potentially a large client. However, protecting your pride, self-esteem and personal integrity is something that will last you a life time…fees will come and go.
Here is a letter I wrote to one of the largest privately held companies in the world.)
“Mark, below is notice of disengagement. My sense is, it has not made it to your desk, as I requested. Please feel free to respond to me directly, if you desire any feedback that might facilitate better relations with your search partners.
Shellee,
as CEO of Morgan 20/20 Search, it is my responsibility to track the development, quality, flow and profitability of the existing relationships we have with our clients.
After my review of the placements made and most importantly, the offers made by XXXXXXXXX and rejected by Morgan 20/20 candidates, we as a group have come to the conclusion that the time and effort spent on recruiting candidates for XXXXXXX’s International Tax department has resulted in de-motivating our staff to serve the company any longer.
We feel pleased about the quality of candidates we have submitted, as it has resulted in almost 85% offers extended from XXXXXX’s tax department. However, we are not comfortable with XXXXXXXXX extending offers, after being advised as to the candidates minimum compensation requirement, at a salary level lower than discussed (and often lower than the candidates current salary). The repetitive turndowns damage both our credibility. Please accept this email as disengagement of our current contract.
Shellee, I would have preferred to speak with you personally, however, my multiple attempts to reach you have yielded no response.
Please share this email with your Sr. VP of Tax, Mark, as you discourage direct phone or email contact with search firms that serve him.