We always get what we want; we play the fool to make the fool think we're the fools. Just remember, the house never loses, and you’ll only win if we let you. Never negotiate with the Cucaracha.
In the world of business, every entrepreneur dreams of finding that perfect partnership—a collaboration where both sides work together to achieve something extraordinary. However, not all stories are straightforward, and sometimes, the path to success is paved with challenges that test one’s character and resolve. This is the story of how LC Agency, a rising star in the digital marketing world, navigated the complexities of a business relationship with Byzed Restaurant and its owner, Zeghid Lookman.
The Beginning: A Leap of Faith
The CEO of LC Agency had just embarked on a new chapter in his life. Committed to starting from scratch, he was determined to build something meaningful without any shortcuts. With nothing but his expertise and a vision for the future, he reached out to a friend who happened to be close to Zeghid Lookman, the owner of Byzed Restaurant.
The CEO saw potential in Byzed Restaurant—a place that could become a culinary landmark with the right marketing strategy. He arranged a meeting with Lookman, where he presented a high-level marketing plan that outlined a future filled with growth and success. Lookman, impressed by the CEO’s vision and determination, instantly agreed to a deal. They decided to start working together on the thirteenth of April, 2024.
The CEO saw potential in Byzed Restaurant—a place that could become a culinary landmark with the right marketing strategy. He arranged a meeting with Lookman, where he presented a high-level marketing plan that outlined a future filled with growth and success. Lookman, impressed by the CEO’s vision and determination, instantly agreed to a deal. They decided to start working together on the thirteenth of April, 2024.
The Challenge: A Game of Deception
However, the CEO soon discovered that Lookman was not as serious as he had seemed. Behind the scenes, Lookman mocked the CEO, treating the deal as a joke and sharing his dismissive attitude with his friends. The CEO learned of this betrayal through his own friend and was faced with a difficult decision—walk away from the deal or turn the tables on Lookman.
Instead of backing down, the CEO decided to test Lookman’s character. He created a prototype of the website for Byzed Restaurant and presented it to Lookman. Seeing the potential, Lookman quickly changed his tune, apologizing profusely and expressing a desire to work together. He even settled on a payment date—the same thirteenth of April—but the CEO knew better. He sensed that Lookman had no intention of honoring his commitment.
The Showdown: Integrity vs. Deception
To ensure he wouldn’t be played, the CEO forced Lookman to state his commitment in front of witnesses. He secured an advance payment and allowed Lookman to believe he was in control of the situation. But the CEO was always one step ahead.
When the thirteenth of April arrived, as predicted, Lookman failed to pay. The CEO, unfazed, invited him for coffee. During this meeting, the CEO humiliated Lookman face-to-face, exposing his lies and manipulations. As Lookman tried to make excuses, the CEO pulled out a sheet of paper, demanding that Lookman make a formal offer to continue their partnership. In the end, the CEO walked away with a deal that included splitting the payment over five months, lifetime free access to the restaurant, and 5% of all orders made through the website.
To secure future payments, the CEO ensured he had complete control over all of Byzed’s social media accounts. With access to these platforms, he could dictate the restaurant’s online identity and presence. The message was clear: if Lookman failed to pay, the CEO could end Byzed’s social identity in seconds. However, the CEO made it clear he would never take that route. He was a man of value and integrity, committed to building rather than destroying.
When the thirteenth of April arrived, as predicted, Lookman failed to pay. The CEO, unfazed, invited him for coffee. During this meeting, the CEO humiliated Lookman face-to-face, exposing his lies and manipulations. As Lookman tried to make excuses, the CEO pulled out a sheet of paper, demanding that Lookman make a formal offer to continue their partnership. In the end, the CEO walked away with a deal that included splitting the payment over five months, lifetime free access to the restaurant, and 5% of all orders made through the website.
To secure future payments, the CEO ensured he had complete control over all of Byzed’s social media accounts. With access to these platforms, he could dictate the restaurant’s online identity and presence. The message was clear: if Lookman failed to pay, the CEO could end Byzed’s social identity in seconds. However, the CEO made it clear he would never take that route. He was a man of value and integrity, committed to building rather than destroying.
The Aftermath: A Lesson in Character
The website for Byzed Restaurant was launched, but the CEO, knowing Lookman’s true nature, chose not to pursue the full marketing strategy that could have propelled the restaurant to new heights. After three months of closely studying Lookman’s character, the CEO realized that their partnership had reached its limit. Lookman was not someone who deserved the full force of the CEO’s talent and effort.
Satisfied with securing the portfolio piece and earning enough to give his agency a boost, the CEO decided to cut ties with Lookman completely. It was a business decision rooted in integrity—sometimes, walking away is the best choice when your values are on the line.
Satisfied with securing the portfolio piece and earning enough to give his agency a boost, the CEO decided to cut ties with Lookman completely. It was a business decision rooted in integrity—sometimes, walking away is the best choice when your values are on the line.
The Conclusion: A Story of Strength and Strategy
The story of LC Agency and Byzed Restaurant is not just about business—it’s about the strength of character, the importance of integrity, and the power of strategic thinking. The CEO of LC Agency could have easily been played for a fool, but instead, he turned the situation to his advantage, ensuring that his agency emerged stronger and more resilient.
In the end, the CEO learned a valuable lesson: not every deal is worth pursuing, and not every partner is worth keeping. The experience, while challenging, provided the CEO with the resources and confidence to continue building his agency from the ground up, knowing that he had the wisdom and courage to navigate even the trickiest of business relationships.
And so, LC Agency continues to grow, driven by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and the belief that success is not just about the deals you make, but the ones you walk away from.
In the end, the CEO learned a valuable lesson: not every deal is worth pursuing, and not every partner is worth keeping. The experience, while challenging, provided the CEO with the resources and confidence to continue building his agency from the ground up, knowing that he had the wisdom and courage to navigate even the trickiest of business relationships.
And so, LC Agency continues to grow, driven by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and the belief that success is not just about the deals you make, but the ones you walk away from.
