If it’s too good to be true, it probably is
In a lavishly decorated café with a hint of hickory dancing in the air takes place the birth of an Empire… or so you are to believe. A coffee stained tabletop composed of checkered squares is covered by a littany of papers strewn about covered with barely ledgible scribbles. Those scribbles, you’re told, are the humble beginnings of an empire.
We’ve all been there. A client who waxes philisophically about how their fledgling company can change the world. Financial gains are to be had by all, and they’ll be taking even you… the lowly graphic designer with them.
Only… there’s a catch. (There’s always a catch, isn’t there?)
You’re promised an imaginary pseudo-partnership role in exchange for your expertise and long, gruelling hours., but aren’t involved in any decision making, and certainly won’t see any financial gains.
Why get greedy? You’re lucky to have the chance to work with an innovator, a leader. The future.
Anyone who’s ever picked up a pencil and applied it to bond in search of the embodiment of form, function and graphic aesthetic can put a name and face to this scenario.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with having heart, desire, and a wish to succeed. We should know… without perseverance, perspiration and dedication, few things get accomplished.
Through the promises of success and all of the “this could be huge” it’s impossible to get as excited about the project as your client would like for you to be. A grizzled veteran inevitably sees through the facade and notices there’s something all too familiar about these clients: Nothing happens. You never see a return on your investment of time. The project will sputter along until it finally dies a slow wringing death that leaves a poor taste in the collective mouths of all who held any interest.
Maybe it’s because our industry is overrun with youth and all of its trials. Mostly though, our own minds can be our greatest enemies. Rationalizing our way into a job is usually where the biggest business mistakes happen. Before you know it, you’re focusing on a project that generates no leads, no revenue and causes you insane amounts of stress. Do yourselves a favour and focus on what’s important to move your business forward.
Our advice: Everyone does it once… get it out of the way as soon as you can. After you’ve got it all out of your system, watch out for the usual signs: disorganization, too-good-to-be-true promises and frequent reminders that no money is available “at the moment”, but should the company take off, they’ll bring you along. Once you’ve made yourself aware of the leeching client, beware and be business smart. Work with people who want to compensate you for what you do. Work with people who want to grow their business and aren’t afraid to put their money behind your ideas. No one wants to feel unappreciated and used when a project is done. We’re as much in the business of doing business as we are organizers, beautifiers, and marketers.
Respect yourself and your hard work. After all, you once had humble beginnings and didn’t ask for handouts to get where you are today.