Lobby group is slandering our private company, leadership won't respond publicly. What should I do?

As the title says, an influential lobby group is defaming our private company, leadership won't respond and it is now starting to impact me. Their information is absolutely incorrect, and they won't post a correction.


I am getting deals to the finish line and then they hear about this and run off.


My position has equity, we have good product and major traction in other global markets outside of North America. We at a 20% CAGR since 2019. Cashflow positive, no debt.


Is this the writing on the wall? Do I stay it out and just tread water / take the paycheck?

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9
braintank
Politicker
9
Enterprise Account Executive
You work for tiktok?
TheDude
Politicker
4
Partnerships Lead
LOLLLL
jefe
Arsonist
5
๐Ÿ
I'm not sure what you CAN do, to be honest.

This sucks, and it sounds like leadership really should be stepping up. \It kind of sounds like there might be some shit going on behind the scenes that you're not aware, otherwise why the fuck wouldn't they?!

I'm sure this is not what you wanted to hear, but it's just my two cents.
TheDude
Politicker
2
Partnerships Lead
I had this thought, perhaps the kool-aid is turning into a Jonestown situation, but everything else says otherwise as the company is so transparent into everything we do and have been for my last three years.
jefe
Arsonist
1
๐Ÿ
Definitely unfortunate
TennisandSales
Politicker
5
Head Of Sales
If this lobby group is lying, then hopefully your company can work through it. Most of the time when a company creates drama there is a peak, and then it dies down and things go back to normal.

Here are a few things you can do:
1. align with your team and make sure you have a specific talk track for how to handle this with prospects in your pipeline. 2. get ahead of this. Once you are in talks with a prospect bring it up, tell your side of the story. dont hide from it because that may give it power. 3. continue to encourage your leadership to respond and ask for a specific reason why they wont.
TheDude
Politicker
1
Partnerships Lead
Definitely will do this
SaaSguy
Tycoon
3
Account Executive
TikTok?
TheDude
Politicker
1
Partnerships Lead
LMAOOO my guy ๐Ÿ’€
oldcloser
Arsonist
1
๐Ÿ’€
A few of us had this thought. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Iโ€™ll rant with you- If leadership wonโ€™t stand up for the cause, how dafuq are they gonna expect you to. Sounds like time to call a friend or call in a favor or just gtfo. Sorry, homie
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
One quick fix for now - if your leadership won't respond publicly, will executives at least get on a call with executives at your prospect companies?
Rumors have been a bit challenging for me recently, but my CEO will get on the phone with execs at my prospect to discuss any issues and concerns. It's been a big help. If you can, I'd at least take that step to save what you can.
jefe
Arsonist
4
๐Ÿ
Exec-to-exec chats can be really useful when deployed at the right time. This is definitely one of those times.
TheDude
Politicker
2
Partnerships Lead
Yes, fired off a message last night
Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
How long has this been occurring for? I ask because it may just be a blip on the radar and if leadership isn't overly concerned here then you might not need to be all that panicked.
TheDude
Politicker
2
Partnerships Lead
Since Sept 2023...
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
ok, so 6 months or so. I guess if I were to ask you what would you have done here? The only real option you have is legal action and that gets expensive and lengthy so it's likely not worth the squeeze.
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
My advice - have patience. It will probably pass. And your mngt team is probably listen to advice from the company's legal counsel. If you have questions - I would reach out to your Legal and get their advice.
Chep
WR Officer
1
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
Be proactive and tell your prospects these are lies? Easier said than done but sometimes tough conversations can lead to closes. Good luck!
TheDude
Politicker
1
Partnerships Lead
I found some damning info about them, will be addressing concerns head on. CEO decided not to get into the trenches with it.
11

Company going Private

Advice
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