We recently lost out on a project. Let me know your thoughts; read on ✨ The client wanted to repair and extend their existing setup rather than move to something more modern. At first, losing the project stung. But after thinking about it, I realized I'm actually okay with the outcome. 🤔
Even if they had asked us to lower our price and work on their existing system, I'm not sure I would have said yes. Their website was essentially a simple landing page, but it was built on an older WordPress setup that was already showing its age (read: it's offline for who knows how long). Emails weren't working properly, maintenance was becoming part of the project, and the focus was on fixing old problems instead of building something that would move the business forward.
I don't want to build a business that's known for maintaining outdated systems just because it's the safer option. Technology moves quickly, and I've experienced firsthand what it's feels like to suddenly realize you've fallen years behind because you've stayed comfortable with what you already know. Catching up is much harder than evolving gradually, isn't it?
That's why I want to keep working with newer tools and approaches. The oldies but goodies are often the foundation that newer ones are built on, I get it. Of course, every client has financial constraints, and not every business is ready to invest in rebuilding!
But as a designer and business owner, I'd rather spend my time helping companies that are willing to invest in the future than convincing them to preserve the past. At least not in the digital-internet-web-world.
The right project is the one that keeps you growing so you're not waking up five years from now wondering when the industry passed you by (that sux).
Do you ever turn down work because it doesn't align with the direction you want your business or skills to grow, even if it means losing revenue? Thoughts?