PPC is not for the faint of heart, you need discipline and deep pockets to split test keywords/landing pages/ad copy then tailor this skillset to whatever your objective is.
Well that's your experience, had you done some research and only targeted the top SEO firms you wouldn't face this problem. One of the business models
we ran is just interviewing the best digital agencies and finding out who their best/most profitable clients are and arranging an introduction fee with royalties
for bring them more clients with that ideal budget spend.
It was usually investment banks/hedgefunds/private equity/commercial real estate brokers, law firms and government depts we signed up.
Best part is we never dealt with the client once the deal was signed....
What you don't want to do is learn SEO/PPC and all that stuff then struggle to get clients....or worse yet
Deal with braindead business owners who call you everyday asking where their site is on Google...