You are presented with the opportunity to work on a difficult and challenging project. You can either say, “No, that’s hard” or “Yes, I can make that happen.” It’s a simple choice that speaks volumes about you.
If it was easy anyone could do it. Many years ago my friend and mentor Dean Eggert said those words to me. I remember and repeat them often. If it’s easy and anyone can do it, how much will the client be willing to pay? Let’s just go with minimum wage. Are you interested in working for minimum wage? I didn’t think so.
Do work that changes the world. Do new work, exciting work. Anything but will become a commodity. Commodity work becomes a race to the bottom. Who can do it fastest, who can do it cheapest. More than likely it can be shipped off shore. Is that a game you are really interested in losing?
Get it done fast. Nothing impresses me more than a “Yes, I can get that done.” followed by a speedy delivery of the promised work. I work with a contractor on one of my projects who does this all the time. Think he’s in any jeopardy of me even considering someone else for work on that project? Think he gets first shot at bidding on new work?
Solve the big problems. The bigger the problem the more difficult your client will perceive the solution to be. The bigger the problem the higher level of purchasing authority you will be working with. My biggest and more rewarding projects got started with the signature of one person. By becoming known as someone who solves big problems you will deal with people authorized to sign big purchase orders.
Do you have any stalled or new projects that require a “Yes I Can!” attitude? I’m always looking for a good challenge so feel free to contact me and perhaps we can work together on something big and fun that changes the world.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyefruit
Fantastic post Jim! Ambition and dedication are the key to longevity. Everyone deals with setbacks, pitfalls, stress, deadlines, bosses, bad clients, etc. Those that make an impact in their career don't take it personal and push forward regardless of difficulty.
It's also about Godin's Ship It! mentality. Waiting around for circumstances to be just so will get you just that…waiting around. Get something done, move the project forward, deliver a piece to the customer. A kick ass half is better than a half-assed whole.