We all work so hard to get people to see us as we want them to. You and your creative business are no different. Your website, advertising and social media efforts are aimed at getting the right people to be interested in you. A client's enthusiasm for your end product is the goal of the business. Ultimately, though, how a client sees your art is how they are going to see it and is largely beyond your control.
The mistake is to confuse a client's perception of you and your art as your reputation. It can happen on both sides of the equation — if a client swoons over your art, but you are a jerk or if your client goes flat, but you are unflappable, kind and professional. For all creative businesses, assuming your talent, reputation is EVERYTHING. You might think that your success will be based on the strength of your art. In the (very) short term, you might be right. But, long term, if you sacrifice your integrity or are anything but professsional you will be lost. Whatever your personality, a well defined business with process and commitment, coupled with talent, will win the day.
We all know how to cut corners and to play the games that are more about ego than business. Acquiescing to an unreasonable request by a client or vendor (i.e., getting paid in cash) in the name of customer service is something I hear of all the time.
Taking the high road is hard. You might lose clients to those that are willing to compromise. And, in the times we are in, that could be the difference in paying your bills and not. Given the alternative, better to flip burgers.
Faith is knowing who you are, the value of your art and its ability to sustain your business into the future. Your reputation will be based largely on how much you are willing to compromise your faith. For all of you, I hope that amount is zero.
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I agree that sticking to your values is so important. Thanks for this Sean.
Thank you for this post Sean. Much needed inspiration as always. You have uncanny knack for posting the right thing at the right time-or so it seems to me.
Yes, I am sure I have lost opportunities based on what I was not willing to do and I know my pocketbook has suffered for it.
But, I can also say that I am proud of the reputation of excellence and INTEGRITY that I have built for myself and my business amongst my clients and my colleagues and beyond.
I can look in the mirror and like what I see. For that, I will never be sorry for the decisions I have made.
And if it is to be burgers, at least I hope they will be the gourmet variety:)!!
Look forward to seeing you next week!
Ah…no compromise here. I am my “authentic” self and she’s a pretty wise, cool chick.
My company is known for the amazing things we do AND our service. But folks also know and understand that there’s no compromise when it comes to my principles and ethics. Period.
I have to be able to look myself in the mirror EVERY day and night…if that means I’ll do it with a few less dollars in my hand, that’s ok. At least I can face myself….which is important to me.
Great post as always – so sorry to have missed you in the Caymans, I hope you had a great time!
What a wonderful post. I wish more vendors would read it and take it to heart.
I have lost more than a few clients over the past decade for the fact that i didn’t want to compromise my values. It’s a sad thing that so many people do compromise or worse yet don’t even have the viruous values you speak of.
I have seen my competition go up in smoke and why? all because they compromised – they had no ethical values and became known as a scammer. It was no surprise when their website closed after they had over 30 BBB complaints about their service (or lack there of)
What you wrote is wise. thank you for blogging abou it 🙂
What a wonderful post. In this time, it is even harder to maintian your reputation and not compromise. Today’s brides love to do what I call buyer’s remorse. They love everything you did the night of the wedding but then they want to tear it apart weeks later.