The $700 Rejection: How Trusting My Gut Paid Off Big Time
You think you're doing the right thing by taking opportunities left right and centre. When you're starting out, yes that's how you build experience, a client base and how you begin gaining a reputation.
When you're a few years in, you stop saying yes to it all. Because it's pointless. You're watering down your skills. Now, I'm not saying to niche, I'm saying to be intentional and intuitive with the decisions you're making and the people you're working with.
A few years ago I had an enquiry that seemed like a great opportunity. It looked like a big project with an international clothing brand wanting to break into the Australian market. After lots of conversations and two proposals, it turns out, this client wanted everything for $700AUD (which was their budget, that they changed after the second proposal) when everything quoted was at least $5k.
I said no. I wrote an email back, and to be honest, this client was not happy. I got a scathing email back and it rattled me. I felt terrible. But I had to say no, for my own sanity. I felt terrible but I knew it was the right thing. Then, along came Joey. Joey and I had been skirting around each other's IG for a while and we knew of each other. I adored her work as a photographer and we lived in the same area. We had some mutual friends and it was only a matter of time until we bumped into each other!
A few weeks after saying no to that client, I was at my friends engagement party (and a few drinks deep) I said to my partner and friends, "see the photographer, her name's Joey and I follow her on IG and I think she knows of TGS and I want to go say hi, but I'm too scared"...
Anyone that knows me would be able to tell you, I'm not an extroverted, confident, talk to anyone kinda gal, so this was a pretty big deal for me.
Lathered up with liquid courage, I went and said hi (with my friends encouragement) and introduced myself. I was so nervous, but Joey was so sweet and kind and immediately recognised me from my socials!
A few months later, we were working together on her brand strategy and identity and I was, to say the least, absolutely freakin stoked!
Working with Joey felt aligned and meaningful. We got along really well, had honest conversations about feedback and spoke candidly about our businesses and goals. That's what made this project so beautiful. That emotional connection and genuine friendship that comes from working with people that is so undeniable and always manifests into a brand that is as equally undeniable.
What I've learnt, is that there's a fine balance between grabbing every opportunity that comes your way and being selective about where you invest your time and energy.
This story isn't meant to deter you from seizing anything that's spun your way, or stumbling on great ones. It's about the power of trusting your instincts, taking risks, and forging real emotional connections with the type of people you want to be working with.
Read the blog: The blueprint for an undeniable brand.
So here's to saying "no" when you need to and saying "yes" to the people and projects that light you up. Because in the end, it's those genuine connections that make all the difference in building something truly special.
