So, working in the agency environment for the last several years has taught me many valuable lessons. Some of which were harder to swallow than others.
Basically, I am a consultant or tactician. I can plan, strategize and recommend things. I don’t actually do the building. People come to my place of employment seeking expertise in Web. Why do I need a website? How can I improve my website? Is my message clearly articulated? Is my site aesthetically pleasing? What is the benefit of online marketing? Will you help me be seen by the search engines? What is RSS?
You get the point.
It’s my job to evaluate your company, your company’s site, your industry, your audience, etc. I make knowledgeable recommendations based on industry experience and trend analysis. Typically, clients trust my – well our – recommendations (collective thought always trumps individual thought).
If only that were true. Some clients tend to be, well, opinionated. They have their own idea of what will or will not work.
My most recent frustration came after writing a script for a video. Prior to the project, we had several phone calls outlining the scope of work. It was to be a short video (approximately two minutes), focusing on one thing. I began doing lots of research for both the company products and the industry. I then wrote the piece.
Draft One – REJECTED.
Apparently, what we had decided upon initially, as in the focus of the entire script, had changed. Take two. With the new focus in mind, I re-wrote the script.
Draft Two – MODIFIED (but basically rejected)
What was once a beautifully articulated script was turned into a 10 minute litany on alarming diseases and the inevitable death of our children. Yikes. Aside from my commenting on the length of the script, my hands were proverbially tied. Draft one – push. Draft two – push. Draft three – client’s preference.
It’s a hard reality to face. But, I have learned a valuable lesson. I’m going to do the best I can. Give the best advice I can give. And in the end, keep the client happy.
