The Most Challenging Clients: Navigating Controversial Industries

Summary: 

In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens explore the complexities of selecting clients for their agency, particularly in controversial sectors like religion, nonprofit organizations, and politics. They emphasize the importance of aligning with their agency's values and ensuring the comfort of their employees when taking on clients. Liz and Chelsea discuss the challenges of working with nonprofits, their preference for industries that value direct communication, and their decision to avoid industries like cigarettes due to ethical concerns. They also touch on their stance of remaining politically neutral in their marketing efforts to maintain professionalism and inclusivity.

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"That has happened before where we have someone who, for whatever reason, whether it's religious reasons or simply because they just are uncomfortable with the client's views on whatever, has stepped away from a project."

Chapters: 

The proposal (00:00:01)
Liz and Chelsea discuss Chelsea's recent engagement and the unique proposal in Italy.

Trip to Rome (00:02:21)
Chelsea recounts her trip to Rome and the mishap of leaving her external hard drive on the plane.

Client selection (00:06:16)
The hosts discuss the types of controversial clients they would or wouldn't work with, focusing on gambling as the first example.

Illegal gambling ring (00:08:45)
Liz describes encountering a prospect running an illegal online gambling ring and deciding not to work with them.

Political campaigns (00:10:15)
The hosts discuss their strict protocol against engaging in political campaigns for clients.

Marketing for casinos (00:12:37)
Liz and Chelsea debate the ethics of marketing for a casino, considering the potential harm of gambling addiction.

Marketing for alcohol (00:14:29)
The hosts discuss their willingness to work with alcohol brands and the creative opportunities it presents.

CBD industry (00:16:22)
Liz and Chelsea recount their positive experience working with a client in the CBD industry and navigating legal complexities.

Abortion clinic (00:19:24)
The hosts express reluctance to work with abortion clinics due to the politically charged nature of the topic and potential employee discomfort.

Religion and Client Comfort (00:21:25)
Employees' comfort working with clients related to religious beliefs and the agency's approach.

Nonprofit Challenges (00:25:03)
Difficulties in working with nonprofits, including disorganization, lack of resources, and misaligned expectations.

Choosing Industries to Work With (00:29:32)
Discussion on why the agency may not work with nonprofits and the importance of aligning with specific industries.

Personal Criteria for Client Selection (00:32:17)
Considering personal values and experiences, such as the impact of a client's industry on individuals.

Political Affiliation and Client Work (00:33:57)
Avoiding political affiliations in client work and the potential impact on the agency's reputation.

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