Large client in Savannah asked me to sign an NDA saying I won't disclose the amount of savings I found to anyone including other prospects. They don't want competitors knowing their utility costs or that they had billing errors. I use anonymized case studies in my proposals — is this going to kill my marketing?
Client wants me to guarantee confidentiality about the savings amount
Client confidentiality is fundamental to our profession and you should honor it without hesitation. Sign the NDA. You can still use the engagement in your marketing by anonymizing it: 'a manufacturing facility in the Southeast with $X in monthly utility spend' without naming the client, the city, or the exact recovery amount. Round the numbers and change minor details. Most NDAs allow anonymized references as long as the client cannot be identified. If the NDA prohibits even anonymized references, negotiate that exception — most clients will agree to it.
Signed the NDA with a carve-out for anonymized case studies that don't identify the client. Works perfectly — I can still reference the engagement in proposals without revealing who it was. Client appreciated the professionalism of taking confidentiality seriously.