"Business is business". My question is, what is the "business" they refer to in this commonly heard quote? Is it the prerequisite folks say as to not feel guilty before doing something they know may or may not hurt someone else but, that they do anyway because it is in their own personal best interest irrelevant of how it affects others? Is it permission to stick the proverbial screw to someone else in a veiled 1-800-justify that says, "Well, I had no choice...."?
Children learn business skills (in their many forms) young. I think I learned negotiation skills at my parent's sides as we tooled down the market aisle ways as I would try to make the case as to why my folks should buy me something...wink... I remember one time when my Mom had said "No" when I had asked for a treat. I felt my reasoning was justified, her reasoning was flawed, and I opened the king sized candy bars (handing one to my brother as well) and took a bite despite of it.....yes, I had a tougher backside after that day I suppose but, the lesson is something I will never forget. At the time I did not realize that my decision had really impacted our whole family in that my Mom had the shopping list down to the penny and was forced to give up something else on the list to pay for my indiscretion. Our choices do have consequences whether we are aware of them or not. "It's just business" does not erase the consequence just because you say it.
As with all other industries, there are some unscrupulous folks in the arts and crafting industry that have used similar "justifications" to renig on deals and outright steal others ideas, concepts, and designs...saying that it isn't an act against Designers and Artists personally but, that it is just a business decision. "Sorry we told you we loved your ideas and then decided to create our own versions of your thoughts so we wouldn't have to pay for yours...you were just charging a fee that wasn't free and we just didn't have the money. You are just so talented and we are thankful for your support. You understand right, it's just business..." Yup, I understand we'll be eating Mac and Cheese for another month while you hope on that jet to Bermuda courtesy of the ideas I gave you and that made you a ton of money yet, you could not pay for thank you very much. I know this post is dripping with irony and snarkiness but, let me tell you, this happens everyday, all over the world and it makes me very angry. People deserve to be paid for their work and their contribution....period.
One of my students called me up to share with me a story that would make any sane person's stomach turn. She is a struggling single Mom with 2 middle schoolers and she spent a great deal of time creating concepts, discussing ideas, and formulating the marketing plans for a well known company. Non Disclosures had been signed and she truly believed she was a partner in the process until the moment the plug was pulled, the project re-named and bundled into an existing project, and she was left with a pat on the back for her willingness to "help". I felt so sorry for her and hearing the desperation in her sobbing made my heart break.
I am not saying that companies are not entitled to earn money nor that they should not be allowed to profit from their ventures. If all Designer's had the ability to pay for their ideas on their own and had the willingness to risk their own capital on an idea, this wouldn't be an issue. Conducting business assumes that risks will be taken and, companies assume the risk of losses (as well as gains) every time they invest in a product or service they bring to market. However, not paying folks for their contribution is stealing. Not living up to their end of the bargain and going back on their word under the guise of "this is just business" is wrong.
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