MeTeech #007 - zensei.com
Last week, we took our last look into the archives of my previous blog on medium.com. We explored my options in choosing a platform for building meteech.com.
This week, I would like to share with you what is perhaps a funny little email exchange I had with the owner of the domain zensei.com. (I want you to learn from my foolishness.) From my previous articles, you know that I went through several name changes to my brand from Zensei to Kotemis and finally landed on MeTeech.
Zensei.com
Zensei.com was the domain I really wanted at the time but sadly, having not thought that far, I discovered that the domain was taken. However, visiting the website brought me this:
So I decided: Oh what the hell. Let’s contact this person. After weeks of no reply, I had already moved on and purchased the domain meteech.com.
But then, I get an email in my inbox.
Hi Dan,
Thanks for your interest.
I’m happy to speak with you regarding the Zensei domain. When is the best time (EST) for me to call?
Regards,
Eva Smith
(Dan is my nickname, it’s a long story). (I’m giving her a fake name here by the way.)
I reply:
Thanks for reaching out.
Some time has passed and I have since bought a different domain under the standard price of 10GBP per year. However, I would love to have a chat and see what we could arrange. I will be free from 6 am until 4 pm EST. I live in London and so my time zone is BST. If you would like a more specific time then I would say 9am EST. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Dan
I knew that she would try to sell me this domain for a steep price so I wanted to make it clear from the get-go that she had little to offer me. However, I was still interested in what she might have to say.
She replies with this:
Let’s circle back in a year or two once you have gained some traction with you current URL.
Regards,
Eva Smith
Okay. Several thoughts are going through my head here: Either she misunderstood me or she’s trying to maximise the money she makes from me. I reply:
I am not sure you understand. The domain I am currently using is completely different to zensei. I am using it to build my business. I am only intereste in zensei.com since I am in the start-up phase of this business. I assure you, I will not be interested in a year’s time. I have nought to gain. Thank you for your time.
She replies once more, this time a little more bluntly:
What is your budget for name aquisition?
Regards,
Eva Smith
At this point, I’m shaking my head. She’s really barking up the wrong tree.
My reply is a little cheeky and not something I would advise. Looking back this was not the right move at all:
I want you to understand: I am a student, I don’t have much money and I am happy with my current domain. I offer you the 5GBP I have left in my bank account. (I think you’re better off searching for a different customer). Thanks again. Have a great day. :)
Yep, that isn’t something I’m proud of. But hopefully, it’s something we can look back and laugh at.
If I were in the same place again, I would play along and quote a more serious figure. It’s important to remain professional in these circumstances. Learn from my mistakes.
The thread ends with some nice good-byes:
I wish you all the best Dan!
Regards,
Eva Smith
Same to you!
Conclusions
I may have burned a bridge rather unnecessarily there. I could have kept the conversation going and talked about our options. However, it is equally important to be able to say no when the time comes. The lesson here is to remain professional when talking to a potential collaborator.
