Hired for painting job. Telling the owner: “My job is only to paint. But, in my experience, if it looks like that, the cellar needs some expert work. Please look into it? I can help.”
Asked to optimize SEO. First, told them it is about traction as a whole. Content marketing, influencers etc to bringing traffic. Looking at relevant data and finding what works and making it unique.
The real goal is not SEO – it is a profitable business now and in the future.
Then I notice the business model is dependant on affiliate money from Amazon etc. Also, that the service they are offering is probably not a real need, just a random click or curiosity. No uniqueness intentions, income dependent on middle men etc.
I could keep quiet and collect my money.
I wrote to my contact in the company. A friend of mine confirmed that is best to do, even if they don’t want to work with me. Most probably my contact will appreciate it too and bring in referrals. He can make his life decisions regardless of the business – i possibly helped him by telling my concerns.
Also from my side, I don’t want to spend time helping price competing, futureless businesses.
Caring deeper. Come with a compartmentalized problem, but letting them know when the root cause is troublesome. Not everyone is trained to do this. To redefine scope and look at which problem really to solve.