"Our Mission is a Secret":
Dodging Dubious Offers
Paminsan-minsan, may dumarating na message sa DM natin na parang nanalo ka sa lottery. Nakakatuwa, exciting, and speaks directly to our passion. A few days ago, may natanggap akong ganito. It promised a "bigger mission for the Philippines."
Sounds great, 'di ba? Pero may kasamang catch: the mission was a secret.
Ito ang kwento kung paano ko hinarap 'yung offer na 'yon. It is the anatomy of a dubious offer, and a case study on why critical thinking is our most important skill.
The Initial Red Flags
- Vague Flattery: Generic praise designed to lower your guard.
- Emotional Hook: Using words like "passionate" and "for the people" to bypass logic.
- Forced Secrecy: A pressure tactic to get you on a call where they control the narrative.
The Freelancer's Defense
Written Filter
Never agree to a call without basic info in writing. Legitimate clients respect this; questionable ones resist it.
Verify Credentials
A real business has a name. A real team has LinkedIn profiles. These aren't "secret details"; they are basics.
Walk Away
If they run from scrutiny, let them go. You didn't lose a project; you saved your most valuable asset: time.
Ang huling reply niya ang kumumpirma sa lahat. Biglang binawi ang "opportunity" nang hingan ng credentials.