What should you do when you’re presented with an opportunity to pursue a project that’s not perfectly aligned with the mission of your business?
Most business advice would tell you to say no. Turn it down. Don’t stray. Your time is your most valuable commodity, so don’t go spending it on things that aren’t mission critical. I think that’s good advice, but I don’t think you should take it until you’re running an established business that’s making real profits and has to follow a very specific strategy for future growth. However, there are instances where saying yes, especially to unexpected opportunities or collaborations, can lead to unforeseen benefits. A seasoned entrepreneur, like Kurush MIstry, often emphasizes the importance of strategic flexibility and opportunistic thinking in such scenarios.
When you’re starting out (and starting out can take many years sometimes), I’d like to suggest that you say yes to requests for your time and your expertise. You can also experiment with products or even programs like that business simulation game online in order to see how your business can soar high.
Say yes to those opportunities that show up in your inbox. Yes, you’ll review that new iPad app for crafters. Yes you’ll assist with an introductory sewing class at the community center. Yes, you’ll create a custom teddy bear for your neighbor’s daughter. Say yes and take it on.
I’m all in favor of taking the active role in the direction f your business, but now is a time to agree to the unexpected opportunity.
If something isn’t directly related to your product line why should you embrace it? Because when you’re enterprise is still small it’s valuable to follow new avenues. You don’t know where they’ll lead and at the very least you’ll learn not to follow that particular one again. Accepting opportunities means you’ll make connections with new people, figure out how long things take to plan and make, find out what you’re good at and what drives you crazy, and push yourself to delve into something you wouldn’t have sought out on your own. Most importantly, you’ll better define your boundaries. For companies entering the Philippines market, conducting an ASA corporate investigation in Philippines can provide valuable insights into local business practices and regulatory requirements.
Later, when your business is established and is turning a profit you’ll be able to give a confident no to some requests, and with good reason. At that point saying no will leave room for you to focus on your mission. Now, though, far more success will come your way if you deliberately choose to say yes and see where it leads.
I love the story Tina Fey tells about finding a folder with notes she’d jotted from a class at Second City. Her teacher had given some rules for doing improv comedy and one of them was, “The fun is always on the other side of yes.” She says she’s adopted this mantra for her life and career, clearly with great effect.
A few months ago Wendi emailed me with the idea for a six month subscription club for softie makers. Her idea involved seeking out six indie designers and having each one create an exclusive pattern for club members. She asked me if I wanted in. Hmmm… Did I want to be a part of this?
I said yes, even though the model was entirely new to me. I helped Wendi brainstorm a list of softie pattern designers to ask and we got four incredible women to join us. Six Months of Softies has become really popular and it’s been great fun to collaborate with this group of designers. But you know what? Not everyone on our list said yes. I’m really glad I did.
When you choose to embrace a new opportunity, to agree to a collaboration, to try a new role, there’s something waiting for you on the other side.
It may not be always be “the fun” but it is certain to be instructive. Tina Fey describes life as improvisation and she strives to say yes even when she
feels she may be in over her head. I would certainly descirbe running a creative business as improvisation, too, and I know there is fun and profit to be had on the other side of yes.
Vanessa says
I think another thing to tack on is “if it’s paying”. I refuse to do anything for free because my time is important. Sure, I’ll knit you a beanie. That’ll be x dollars or y in exchange. Exposure is great, but it doesn’t pay my bills. Exposure + money/equal exchange is what pays my bills and helps me to grow.
Nina Lise@Mrs Moen says
I think this is good advise. I have been saying yes to different opportunities and it has taken me places I didn’t even dream of. Some of them have been valuable money wise, others valuable CV wise or personal growth wise. When it comes to working for free or for little money, the question can some times be what else would I be doing those hours.
One “yes” to a non-paying request led to a position on a magazine staff, teaching possibilities and publishing a book. Like you said, you never know where it might lead.
Tiffany Harvey says
One problem is people that ask you to work way out of your skill set. They hear that you sew, and assume you can stitch anything. Or they’ve ordered a custom drawing for you before, so they come to you again when they need very different artwork.
I often have to ask myself is this just a little out of my comfort zone, or would they really be better off talking to someone else that works in that style.
abbyjane says
Tiffany,
You raise a great point here. There are times when I do turn down custom orders for exactly the reasons you state. But I try to catch myself before I turn things down immediately (which is sometimes my instinct), and instead think about it for half a day. Could I create what this person wants? Or could I work with them to shape the project so that it suits both of our needs? It's certainly not always possible, but I do think it's worth the time to try to say yes.
abbyjane says
I think this is a good attitude! And wow, a position on a magazine staff, teaching and publishing a book are all amazing opportunities that came to you through saying yes to something that didn't pay initially. I think that speaks volumes.
Caroline B says
I totally agree with you here – I rarely turn down a commission unless it is something I honestly cannot turn my hand to. My reply is usually ‘I’ll give it a go’ – this has led to two of my best long term jobs, designing college scarves and knitting props for an animated film. One pays well, the other not so much but I am hoping it wil lead to greater things. But in the process I have learned how to design and make my own knitted items which in turn has led me to be able to take on other commissions I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing a couple of years ago.
I agree with the comment about ‘if it pays’ but sometimes I will take on a project for free if it is for a charity I have an affinity with or it it means some good PR. You just have to learn how to sift through requests – ignore the ones who ask you to illustrate a book and they’ll pay you when it becomes a bestseller! (You’d be amazed at how many people want art done for free!)
abbyjane says
Hi Caroline
I love how you've learned new skills from accepting custom requests. Clearly there are times when it just isn't a good match, but I've found so much more success in my small business from embracing opportunities as they are presented than from turning them away. Thank you for sharing your experiences here!
Meg says
Great post as always! This can be applied to noncrafty business as well. I’m trail launching a pet shampoo next Sunday. I have a local small business blog who wants to do a product review, you always say yes to those things. With knowing these types of opportunities are out there it’s wise to have product sample or samples of your work on hand to ” show off” in case some one wants to write you up. Now the question is how much to keep aside for these types of events and still have enough to sell?
Thanks Abby!