In the evolving world of media strategy, business photos, and videography, visibility is a double-edged sword. While it brings in genuine clients and admirers, it also invites unwanted attention from naysayers, sceptics, and even competitors who may not play by the rules. One experience I'd like to share highlights the darker side of gaining prominence in our industry.
Recently, I encountered a rather unpleasant situation. I received a call from a so-called “client,” a conversation laden with lies, intended not to inquire genuinely but to fish out our video prices. It quickly became evident that this individual had no real intention of becoming a client. The falsehoods became more apparent when I learned he’d been viewing our YouTube channel, critiquing a particular client’s video, and even going to the extent of harassing my client over the phone.
The intent was clear: this individual wanted to know the price, not to engage our services, but perhaps to compare, to undervalue, or even to replicate. Ironically, our business model is project-specific, meaning we don’t have fixed prices—each project is tailored to the client’s unique needs. But this person’s actions went beyond mere price inquiry. It was an overt attempt to belittle our work and the value we provided to our client.
Now, one could view this incident purely negatively. And I won’t lie, it left me angered, flustered, and with a burning desire to confront this individual face-to-face rather than letting them hide behind a veil of anonymity. However, on reflection, a different perspective emerged.
The mere fact that this person—and potentially others like him—are scrutinizing our work and our client’s videos means one clear thing: we are visible. People are discovering us and the content we produce. In other words, our business has grown to a level where it has garnered the attention of not just admirers but also detractors.
There’s a silver lining here: having detractors, or “haters,” can be an inadvertent sign of your success. When competitors resort to such tactics, it’s often an indication of jealousy. They see something in your business—an edge, a unique selling point, a level of success—that they perhaps lack. And rather than compete fairly, they try to peek behind the curtain, hoping to find the “secret sauce.”
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? While no one appreciates negative encounters, they can serve as indirect affirmations. If you’re attracting the envy of competitors to the point they go to such lengths, it’s a sign you’re doing something right. Your brand is resonating, your strategies are effective, and your work is impactful.
Continue to focus on your craft, ensure your clients are satisfied, and let your work speak for itself. And remember, every time a detractor pops up, it’s merely a testament to your growing success in the industry. Stay the course and let the quality of your work be your loudest statement.
