To feel like I've been told off

[Bookworm3459]

Had a call at work today with a potential new client (work in professional services BD) and woman was rudest woman I've come across in a long time.

I asked her a few questions which I ask many different companies every day in my job with no issue and she pretty much threw them back at me as if to say 'you tell me'. To clarify, I had done my research on her business beforehand but there's certain things you cannot find out online and usually prospective clients enjoy telling me their story and current situation. It's part of building the relationship.

Her tone and body language was very angry headmistress and I've come away feeling like a stupid schoolgirl who failed a test and doesn't know her job very well.

I'm probably letting it get to me far too much but some people have a way of making you feel so stupid and I guess I'm not confident enough in myself at times.

She sounds very odd, don't take her on, it will only get worse!

I never understand why people are like this. I’m sure they don’t get the best out of people. A business relationship works both ways and I’ve always treated suppliers as I’d hope to be treated and had excellent service and feedback as a consequence.

Same with arsey interviewers - always glad they give an indication of who they are early on so I can avoid.

I'm so tempted to email to say she's rude but could backfire massively so will have to just politely decline any form of working together

Never burn your bridges. Polite decline is the way to go I reckon.

That's weird. She must feel she has something to prove. Don't let her ruin your day!
Sounds like you aren't desperate for the new business anyway.

I'd love to say something like, due to your barefaced rudeness on our call today, there's no chance in hell we'll be working together going forward as we only deal with nice people 😂

Obvs won't send but wish I could. Was looking if I could leave an anonymous review somewhere too but again, bad idea...

Not blaming you - she sounds awful. But, I always over-index on giving context as to why I'm about to ask certain questions or how I'm going to present something, so it's very clear as to what the outcome is. I know the situation can't be helped now but for future might set you up better?

Yes perhaps I didn't approach it in way she expected but usually these calls are very successful and clients like the approach

I'd say, "Following our call today, with regret we have concluded My Company is not the best fit for your business. It seemed from your responses that there may be a lack of shared expectation as to how the relationship would proceed, and as a company we work best with clients with whom we have shared values. Thank you for your time, and I hope you are able to find a company that better meets your needs"

You don't want her as a client – she sounds a nightmare.

But in the past when I've had to deal professionally with people like this, I always treat them as if their behaviour is utterly normal, so I don't show any reaction, and I usually start by nodding as if in agreement and treating the request as reasonable.

So if she says, 'You tell me,' I'd say, 'Well, from my research of available information on your company, I'd say xyz but it's always invaluable to get your perspective too.'

Not allowing yourself to even register her attempts to put you down is a power move.