A Client Once Told Me, "I Can Do This In A Few Minutes, But..." – Here's What's Terribly Wrong With This
Do it then...
Three things –
The Misguided Confidence of 'I Could Do It Better'.
Cheap Alternatives Are Cheap For A Reason.
Fear Of Investment & The Negative Countereffect.
(For Paid Subscribers) How I Overcame The Statement, “I Could Do It Better.”
The Misguided Confidence of 'I Could Do It Better'
It all started with a client needing a sales deck. What seemed like a straightforward request quickly turned into a classic case of overconfidence.
"I could do this in 2 minutes," he said. Yet, they didn't. Instead, they hired me. But their attitude didn't end with the contract.
Every morning, they were there, inquiring and worried about their “purchase,” questioning every step of the process.
This constant interference wasn't just hindering; it was counterproductive.
Cheap Alternatives Are Cheap For A Reason.
Then came the budget discussion. Despite needing professional work, he worried deep inside him that he “over-invested” in a deck.
His thoughts would be dominated by the idea that he could find someone cheaper on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. This mindset reflects a common misconception: that lower cost equates to an average value.
They failed to understand that expertise and quality come at a price and that constantly comparing rates undermines the unique value each professional brings to the table.
Personally, when selecting an AI developer to work on my project, the last thing I discuss is the pricing. If I’m bonding properly with that team member, then money will not be an issue, even if there are “cheaper” alternatives.
Fear Of Investment & The Negative Countereffect
I don’t blame that entrepreneur. It's a trap many of us fall into, believing that an investment in whatever will resolve all our concerns. However, this approach is often driven by fear rather than strategic thinking.
As the project progressed, I realized something – this wasn't working. The relationship was more stressful than productive. The client’s lack of trust and constant need for reassurance revealed a fundamental mismatch in our mindsets.
They lacked the investment mentality necessary for a successful collaboration. So, I clearly stated that I needed my space in order to create something of value, or else we’d better skip working with each other.
Ultimately, the decision was made to part ways. Continuing under such circumstances would have done more harm than good to the project.
This is about my client, but it could be about your client – sometimes, the best decision is to let go.
There’s a certain level of interference that hinders progress rather than facilitating it. Investing in a person to work with is not just about the financials; it’s a trust investment.
It’s never just about the budget or the timeline; it's about mutual respect and understanding.
You must recognize when a project isn't the right fit and have the courage to step back. This decision, though sometimes difficult, is often necessary for our sanity and the success of our work.
(For Paid Subscribers) How I Overcame The Statement, “I Could Do It Better.”
I am a control freak, but I think most entrepreneurs are as well. You’ve made it so far with your startup, didn’t you?
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