Had a presentation yesterday that completely derailed. Spent weeks preparing detailed analysis of Xcel Energy billing errors, but halfway through they started asking about energy efficiency opportunities instead. Anyone else have clients change direction mid-presentation?
Presentation Went Sideways - Client Wanted Different Info
Happens more than you'd think Elisa. I always bring a one-page "bonus opportunities" sheet covering efficiency, demand response, solar potential - stuff outside the audit scope. Helps when they pivot.
Christie, exactly that. Found they were paying peak demand charges based on a 15-minute spike every morning. Got them thinking about load management instead of just billing corrections.
Good problem to have! Shows your audit revealed bigger opportunities. Did you recover and finish strong, or schedule a follow-up meeting?
I learned to ask "What other energy challenges are you facing?" right after presenting the main findings. Opens the door for additional services while you have their attention.
That's smart Hugh. What triggered their interest in efficiency? Sometimes billing audit findings reveal operational issues they hadn't considered before.