Today some of my business partners were writing a proposal for a job that we can totally do, but that is not core to our current business direction. I was that annoying partner… you know the one! The one saying “but what about X?” and “How does this relate to our mission?” and “… but X is not our core offering!” etc, etc.
Meanwhile my colleagues were busting their tails to get the proposal finished and out the door by the deadline.
And I think I understand why… It’s an opportunity to form a great client relationship. It’s a foot in the door, and a starting point for a referral network. And it’s a decent paying job. But I couldn’t help but raise my concerns (and I’m sure I slowed down the process).
You know why? Because I’ve been there. I remember what it is like to be a fledgling enterprise — eager for cash and willing to tackle almost any paying gig. And I made mistakes in that period… I took jobs I shouldn’t have. I guess I don’t want my colleagues to make the same mistakes. In other words, I’m projecting… and being annoying!
But that’s the power of partnership, right? I need my colleagues to be opportunistic, and they need me to keep us focused. I’m pretty sure we’ll all be better for it.
Here’s to our future!
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