Do you need to believe?

Peter Crocker As soloists, we tend to have a fair bit of influence over what jobs we take on, and what jobs we let through to the keeper. This is one of soloism's great attractions.

But deciding if a certain job is suitable isn't necessarily easy. For me, it's generally about the people. If you're working with great people then the specifics of the job become less important.

What happens, though, when a project comes up that you just don't believe in? Not because it's unethical or dodgy, you just think it's a dud idea.

What do you do then?

The professional in you might say "It's your job to tell it like it is. They've come to you for advice and it's up to you to open their eyes". Or "I'm just going to politely decline. I can't do a proper job on a project unless I believe in it".

But then another part of you might decide to reserve judgement. "Who am I to decide on what's a good idea or a bad idea?"

Plenty of stupid ideas have turned out to be rippers. For example:

A developer might run a mile from plans to build an opera house with wings;
A web designer might scoff at the concept of people posting their diaries online;
A consultant might advise against starting a music band aimed at toddlers.

But then again… most 'crazy' ideas do turn out to be just that. And it's not fun to work on a project that turns out to be a gigantic flop.

Is it our job to advise clients that they're dreaming, or do we simply knuckle down and do our best to make their dreams come true?

Have you worked on any big flops or surprise successes in your career?

We'd love to hear your experiences.

Until next week.

Love your work,

Peter Crocker

Peter Crocker is a director of Flying Solo responsible for the areas of marketing and advertising. He is a business copywriter specialising in websites, videos and marketing communications.

5 comments | Add your own

If it's unethical or dodgy, and by that I mean that the work at hand may bring about harm to other people or deceive them in some way then yes I have no problem to leave it a side, but other then that if someone wants to use my services, I don't put to much weight on whether I think it is a flop or not.
For starters I have not done the research of what my potential client may have and also doing the deep marketing research is something that takes time and expertise. I will always give my professional opinion if I can foresee a problem that the job may encounter other then that my work needs to fulfill the creative brief at hand. In someways too, it does not really matter if I believe in a job or not, for example I may be asked to do work on promoting square dancing, I have nothing against square dancing but at the moment its not a concern to whether I believe in it or not, so to speak. My focus must be on delivering the best solution for the task at hand. Bjarni Wark : Bj2design from Batemans Bay
Oh and yes when I do work for a client I do try and submerge myself in the work and that does involve some level of understanding and rationale that the needed outcome is possible. Bjarni Wark : Bj2design from Batemans Bay
A colleague once wisely told me that not all your clients are going to become testimonials. You never know and you can't judge too soon. It's worth giving it a go (as long as you're not sacrificing other work). Even if it's a disaster, you might walk away with some new contacts and a funny story to tell. Michele Hackshall from Belrose | Read my articles
Give it a go, stick to it. Most ideas fail because of giving up to soon, to often. If it does not work modify your idea so it does work. Ideas come from visions you have as an entrepreneur. Share your ideas with friends, business partners or a stranger in the street. Some costumers have great ideas and can be very inspirational for your business. Give it a go! Peter De Laet : PajamaNation Australia from Brisbane
For me, if its not right, its not on - integrity is everything! Then again, I have no financial wealth - I simply love the freedom of doing what I do. Therefore, is the 'correct' answer........."only what works for each of us, and isn't that why we're soloists in the first place?" Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles

5 comments | Add your own

Add Your comments

Preview comment

Name

Website *

Town / city and country

Email (never sold, displayed or given away)

* This will link your name to your site. So please avoid self promotion elsewhere! We delete spam, disrespectful or off-topic comments.