If you have heard I am difficult to work with, it's probably true. I have some criteria that don't motivate me and aren't as important as people like to believe, but they do get me to do the work. It comes down to two things:
- Time Management
- Accountability to the Public
In This Project
You've heard the story where an influential person can be paid anything to say anything. They gladly take the money and do what they need to do for self-preservation.
I started this journey before Social Media was even named. Accountability for what comes out of my mouth was established before anything could be paid to do what I do today.
The Hard Lesson - Nearly Named In A Lawsuit
I found a company whose product I really liked. The company reached out to get me to mention their business to create momentum. Excited by the opportunity to help the business, I did just that.
To my shock, and after a very long story, the company took people's money without delivering the products. Pure theft. I don't know if it was intentional or just really piss poor planning. I am thinking, even to this day, it was the latter half of that statement.
The company on social media started going to hell with people remarking that they hadn't got their products and were being given the run around in communications.
The Company's Biggest Mistake
The company decided to email everyone whose orders were pending the same message. To their mistake, they didn't hide the recipients' email addresses in the communications and didn't blind carbon copy anyone.
Once people realized how many people were waiting for the products—well over a hundred—legal threats were on the table. Potentially naming me as an accomplice to commit fraud. I was so shocked.
What seemed like the up-and-up was a complete disaster, and my name was behind the momentum. There was no follow-through with my participation, but I count that as lucky fortune.
I realized my voice matters and that I have to vet the people I suggest. I rarely suggest companies unless I am 100% confident in their business structure.
Hundreds of Offers
Each year, hundreds of offers come in to suggest a business and/or product. If you are following me, you know I don't recommend too many people, and that's due to my past experience. People I have never heard of shouldn't get immediate attention without my firsthand experience. We see all too often websites and sales platforms come out of nowhere and then disappear into the night. I avoid those like the plague.
Time Management
I am a one-person operation when it comes to creating content and patterns from scratch. Existing relationships are already in place. Doing something else can spread me thin.
I design everything on my own and using my own time. Other creators can purchase designs from others to put their name on them. It's completely legit, but it's not something I want to get involved with.
No offer of money will release me from the time commitments I already have. I believe in loyalty and service to those whom I feel connected to, as much as I have within me.
Accountability
In the world in which we live, a person who suggests a product or service has to live by their words. Trust is achieved only when there is a connection between the hosts and the audience.
If a host is peddling something they don't believe in and the relationship goes south, it's harder to dig out of and can ruin a good thing. Being selective is the only way to be for longevity.
As an influential person, there are unlimited opportunities for upselling. I prefer to stay low-key and not be motivated by money. Did I mention it because I loved the business or because I could get a slice of the pie? For many influencers, it's the slice of the pie that matters more.
Words matter.
With the two criteria, working with me is not a sure thing. I'm careful, just like I should be. With a sizable, curated community, it should be expected.
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