I’ve been thinking a lot about written agreements and proposals, which you’ll see in tomorrow’s Art Marketing Action newsletter. Still, I think it’s important to know when NOT to enter into an agreement with someone. We’re always so grateful for work and think about the money that we forget there might be very good reason not to take on a project.
Per an earlier newsletter, I’ll mention three reasons to turn down an opportunity that just doesn’t feel right:
- You will end up resenting the person who asked you to do it.
- You dislike the idea so much that you procrastinate and procrastinate. Somehow, it festers and becomes bigger than life–a monster that invades your every thought.
- You will eventually make good on your promise, but you’ll hate the resulting work and remain angry with yourself that you ever said "yes" in the first place.
ALWAYS remember that it’s easier to say “no” first and then change your mind to “yes” than to do the reverse. More about that tomorrow.
3 thoughts on “Three Reasons to Turn Down an Opportunity”
Thank you! I’ve just shared your link on one of my blogs. I am sometimes asked to do commissions that I just know I’ll hate…and it’s really tough to say no. Fortunately, it’s rare that I don’t like the proposal 🙂 Cyndi
I found this posting rather interesting, especially since I’ve been pondering about an opportunity that has come my way. I was asked last fall, by an artist at an Arts and Crafts Show, to participate in a 1-day “Wine and Art Festival” in June. The thought of finally having my 1st art show really excited me…but now that time has passed….I’m not too sure. In one respect, I hate to miss out on a possible opportunity for exposure, but on the other hand, there are too many variables that worry me. I would need to purchase setups and a tent, and although several sellers from the Art Show were asked to participate in hers, she has NEVER seen MY work, which makes me wonder how many other people she asked without seeing THEIR work. My biggest concern, however, is that the show is being advertised as a “WINE and Art Festival”……notice that the word Wine is first in the title. In talking with her on the phone, she seemed more excited about getting at least 5 wineries so far to participate. My concern is that the artists are merely going to be “entertainment” for the wine-tasters, even though they are going to be scattered between the wine booths so that people would have to walk through several art exhibits before hitting the next winery. A friend of mine told me that she did not do well in this kind of a venue. What is your opinon, or feedback, on this? Is it futile to participate in this type of an art venue?
I had a similar experience but one of the organizers had seen my art and that’s how I got a spot. But it was a farmer’s market. I sold one piece (wood burn art) The unfortunate thing is that the venue wasn’t entirely right for my subject matter. I mostly do Civil War Art. very specific. Thankfully (and primarily) why I got a spot ) was that There was a reenactment taking place nearby. But I would do better at a full on 2-3 day Civil War reenactment, rather than a farmer’s market.
I would be concerned if she hasn’t seen your art. I would say no.