A General Won't Win the War
One soldier, alone, won't win the war
Have a few clients now, and also have worked at some companies, where the expectations for a single individual are impossible to meet.
It reminds me of General Patton and this: If General Patton decided to attack a front, he did not do it alone, he gathered his troops, told them the objective, and set them loose. If Patton went on his own, defined his own objective, and then attacked, by himself, he would have been quickly killed.
The same goes for marketing activities. The general can certainly lead, if there are troops around him. But, if by himself, he will quickly be killed.
Some clients of mine expect me to be able to attack, by myself, and win the battle. What this means is: no budget (money), no support (staff or agencies), and no recognizence of what is happening in the market. No, not research, but, actually knowing the pitfalls and issues that may be faced.
I have asked many times for more money so that I can devote more time - no. To be able to hire an agency that can devote the time and effort needed - no. To be able to have a staff person be able to answer the calls or make calls - no.
Expectations have to managed, of course. What this means is that the client must know that for you to succeed and with no support, you probably won't succeed, but, you will certainly throw yourself at the brick wall, over and over, until you die.
Remember that success depends on a cohesive front, on one that is supported by all, and that support is given when and if needed. To launch a product on a worldwide basis, by a single individual, is entirely doable, but, luck plays as much a role as does strategy.
A general never won a war by fighting by himself, it takes an army. Don't ever let your clients forget that or YOURSELF - you must have the support you need to make a success. Be it family, money, staff, or whatever.