It seems that our current obsession with the art of haggling has finally reached the ludicrous levels. Of course, it’s not wrong to make sure that you get what you paid for. But what happens when you expect to receive without giving in return? Today’s business environment creates expectations that you’ll always get something for free. Though, there’s a dilemma as we’ve all been taught that nothing is free.
Why do certain types of people try to take everyone for a free ride? This is particularly prevalent (though not exclusive) in the creative world. Perhaps the fun nature of the end product doesn’t dignify the creative and production costs? Many companies have no qualms to ask for “spec” work, which is basically work for free, though they would never sell their own products for free. We’re all in business to make a living, and need to see the opposite side of the coin in order to understand the impacts that unrealistic demands make on the other party. We should be trying to create strategic partnerships that’ll help us get ahead of the business curve by expanding our capabilities. Taking out a partner by taking away their product doesn’t make much business sense, since you’re limiting future potential and diminishing supply. If you’re planning on surviving in this current economic climate, I’d say that making friends makes much more sense than making enemies.
This gem of a video is being shared in a LinkedIn conversation about spec work, and should be watched by anyone who negotiates: Vendor Client Relations.
Although this used to be a scenario faced only by creative workers, it’s now become an epidemic of the business world in general. I guess it’s uncomfortable to watch because it’s what happens every day. When did this become the accepted norm? Kudos to Scofield, the video’s creators, for opening a conversation that has gone viral!
Well said Carolyn, I couldn’t agree more. I firmly believe that the best way to combat the “race to the bottom” is through blogs like yours and an ongoing campaign to educate current and prospective clients that you really do get what you pay for.
Take Care
Gerry
Thanks for your comment, Gerry! We creatives can use our diverse experiences to make huge impacts on how business is accomplished today by changing the focus of success. Keep in touch!
Hi Carolyn – I too applaud you for stating the case against crowdsourcing and making the CS video link available. Gerry finds the best stuff! I put the link on my FB page and also shared it on Biznik, where there is a giant thread following an article about CS. I think the bottom line is what one person described as “sell your thinking, not your things.” It’s up to us to make the case for the value of our services TO OUR CLIENTS. If we don’t tell ’em, they won’t know.
Best regards,
Laurel
Hi Laurel! Welcome to my blog. Gerry’s conversation on spec work really hit home as this is something that I’ve experienced many times. This conversation is our world. We really do need to educate our clients, so that they understand that our value is not only in our visual work product, but in the process of creating a communication bridge for our clients and their customers to use. Looking pretty means little if there’s nothing underneath! If only non-creatives understood this concept better. Thanks for the support and the info on Biznik. I hope that you come back to visit again.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that.
Thank you Arie. Hope your lunch was delicious! I have one eye on the topic as a former buyer, but the other as a creative. You can imagine the fights that I have with myself… But all kidding aside, spec work is a flaw that seems to be expanding, and there is much that we can do to create better opportunities for everyone. The world’s just waiting to be remade with good intentions!