3 things I learned the week I lost 40k

A few years ago I branded a particular product which you can find on shelves across Canada. It was the hardest and most exciting project I had ever taken. While designing the 3rd version I got a very intense email from the VP with a website link they wanted me to see.

There it was – my product online … but with a new “Photo-Shopped” name. In about a week, the powers-that-be battled it out, the dust settled, and my contract was gone.

Not gonna lie – every time I’m in a store that carries it, I wander over to it just so I can glare at it and growl internally for a few minutes. It’s sadistic, I know. I thought about posting the ORIGINAL picture of it here, but I don’t feel like getting sued.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Integrity and character are not the same … but equally important
Integrity means that what you say and what you do align – they are in integrity. Character speaks to your distinguishing qualities morally. These qualities separate us from the get-ahead-at-all-costs crowd. I determined that day more than ever, to conduct business with others in a way that I would want business conducted with me.

2. It’s never about the money
For me, losing a $40k contract is a monster-sized big deal - but it’s hardly the point. Who you do business with, and how you do business is branding you. I had a client that never paid an invoice in 2010 for $415 – not gonna break the bank, but again, not the point. I was offered to do some subsequent work and respectfully declined. It’s never about the money. Don’t chase the money – be committed to integrity, fostering relationships with those who do, stay about your vision and the provision will always be there.

3. Shouting into a pillow at the top of your lungs is incredibly therapeutic.
Just sayin’.

Proverbs 22:1 (read it … it will change you)