Let's dissect a trend that’s sweeping through the creative industry: the buzzword “collaborative.” While on the surface, promoting a collaborative spirit might seem like a positive attribute for your creative business, Patrick Kizny explains why this can sometimes be detrimental. Through a compelling narrative and personal anecdotes, Patrick unpacks the pitfalls of positioning your firm as overly collaborative.
Key Takeaways:
The Pitfall of Servilism: Drawing from experiences working with clients in China, Patrick highlights how a servile attitude—putting clients' demands above strategic expertise—can undermine your business.
Service vs. Expertise: There's a fine line between providing excellent service and maintaining your position as an expert. Creative firms need to balance being service-oriented and leveraging their expertise to lead clients rather than just follow instructions.
Reading Between the Lines: Patrick interprets the term “collaborative” as often signaling a willingness to bend to client demands, which can lead to scope creep and diminished profits.
True Partnership: The few firms that can genuinely claim to work collaboratively while maintaining profitability do so because of robust processes, experienced sales teams, and strong market positions.
Strategic Positioning: Instead of leaning into the collaborative label, firms should focus on positioning themselves as leaders and experts in their field, guiding clients with confidence and strategic insight.
Stay prolific, and till the next one.
