When you land a job, it’s usually for one of two reasons:

1. For Your Ideas.

2. To Execute on Their Ideas.

But the tricky part is, you never truly know which one it is until after you start the project. 

Here’s the catch: 

When you bring your idea to the table, a copy supervisor might try to "improve" it. 

The problem? 

They often end up ruining your idea, and suddenly, it’s no longer yours—but you’re still held accountable for its failure.

Here’s what you should do:

Protect Your Ideas Early On: 

When presenting your idea, document everything. Make sure there’s a clear paper trail that shows your original concept and how it evolves. This way, if someone insists on making changes, you have evidence of your initial input.

Be Open to Collaboration, But Set Boundaries: 

Collaboration is key, but don’t let your voice be drowned out. If changes are suggested, discuss them openly and professionally. Explain the reasoning behind your original idea and how altering it might impact the final result.

I would often say, "Change this and it messes up everythting below it."

Stand Your Ground When Necessary: 

If you believe strongly in your idea, don’t be afraid to push back. This doesn’t mean being inflexible, but it does mean advocating for what you believe will work. Sometimes, supervisors respect you more when you defend your ideas with confidence.

I recall a marketing director fighting me over and over on a concept.  We tested it my way, and it was huge winner.  She apologized. 

Clarify Accountability:

Before any changes are made, ensure that everyone involved understands who is responsible for the final outcome. If a supervisor’s changes are implemented, make it clear that the accountability for the results should be shared.

I once delivered two headlines for an email.  The marketing director like the first one, I said the second was way better.  The first test did great.  I then said, "Now let's test mine best headline."  It brought in 2X the ROI.

Learn From Every Experience:  

Even if an idea you loved gets altered and doesn’t perform as expected, take it as a learning experience. Understand what worked, what didn’t, and how you can navigate similar situations more effectively in the future.

By taking these steps, you’ll not only protect your ideas but also safeguard your professional reputation. 

Remember, the goal is to produce the best work possible—whether it’s your idea or someone else’s—while ensuring that you’re recognized for your contributions and not unfairly blamed for others’ decisions.

Now go get the money! 

Doug 

P.S. If you’ve been following my journey, you already know that I’ve spent decades perfecting the art of persuasive copy—generating over $100 million in sales along the way. 

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