KnowledgeCity.com - Doing business as a Designer - Fallout Part 2
1. Doing Business as a Designer:
Fallout – Part 2
(Slide-u-mentary Version - made in google docs)
By Jae Xavier of KnowledgeCity.com
Blog: jaexavier.wordpress.com
Twitter: twitter.com/jaexavier
2. Answering the Challenge
Deep in Ryan’s heart, he had no knowledge about web design,
internet advertising, and internet marketing. “The core of my
skills was in print design. Programming, online ads, user
interface, and user experience were all alien to me. On top of
that, I did not know how to do write up an executive
summary.”
After getting home Ryan calls his best friend Jason who has
web domain expertise.
3. Confide and Consult
“I was frantically explaining the situation to Jason. While
explaining to him, I had visions of losing everything I had
worked for. The feeling of powerlessness became all too real
in a matter of seconds.”
Jason tells Ryan that “making a sudden turn around into
learning about the web is like turning the Titanic on a dime.
Absorbing the knowledge takes time and repetition.”
Ryan defiantly hangs up.
4. Compression
Over the course of three weeks, Ryan consumes every form of
knowledge pertaining to the web; spending voraciously and
without question. Piles of books and DVD’s were peppered all
over his condo. “Even my hard drives were filled to the brim
with content.” Ryan recalls.
At the end of the forth week Ryan presents the executive
summary to the VP of operations in the morning. The VP is
impressed and tells Ryan that he will be presenting this plan
to the board at lunch.
5. Doubt
Three hours after lunch, Ryan slumps over his desk
contemplating every outcome imaginable.
“What if they don’t like my plan?”
“What if they do? What do I need to learn next?
“What if I lose my job? Where will I go next?”
“My mind was racing at 1000 mph. I could not even
concentrate on eating my lunch.”
6. Acceptance
Suddenly, the phone rings. Ryan picks up the phone and is
told to meet the VP in his office. Upon entering he takes a
deep breath before opening the door.
“While twisting that door knob, I made a decision to accept
whatever comes my way at face value. I’ve done the best I
can. It is time to man up.”
Ryan enters and sits down with an arm resting on each chair
arm, feet planted shoulder width apart.
7. Decisions
“The VP tells me that the board rejected my executive
summary. During the meeting, two consultants had carefully
reviewed the summary. It was deemed not viable.”
8. The Fight
Reclining in his executive chair with a somber face, the VP
explains “Ryan, I know your background. I know that you have
been working for this company for a very long time and your
investment is highly appreciated."
"In the history of Two Suns, we have never had layoffs as high
as this."
9. The Reward
You were on the list to be immediately cut however I wanted
to give you a fighting chance to stay on board. Unfortunately
things did not turn out they way we both wanted to. I had to
make a decision, so you will be cut. However you will not
leave empty handed; you have severance pay."
“It was a solemn moment for both of us. I appreciated his
efforts in giving me that fighting chance. But ultimately it was
not about preventing my layoff; it was preventing comfort
from overcoming me.”
