In the last 3 weeks I’ve been in the Bay Area, I’ve had a lot of (lengthy) talks with entrepreneurs and investors, most of them usually leading to the same point: how I accept or deny job offers based on how much I like the idea. One of the things most people frown upon is how I’d pick a pro-bono job for the love of it over a high-pay job that just didn’t feel right.

It’s quite simple, really

If I like the idea, I’ll become passionate about it, and if I’m passionate about it, I’ll (hopefully) do great work. I’ll contribute in every way to the development process - helping out with the design, development, the information architecture. If I don’t like the project or I’m disappointed at the way it’s being led, it’s just not the same thing.

I’ve always believed that “passion” should be the engine or the catalyst to get great work done. If you love something, you want it to succeed. You’ll give your best. That’s why I love seeing people who talk to me and are passionate about what they’re doing. Gina Bianchini over at 24 Hour Laundry was one of the people who surprised me the most (positively). The guys over at Robot Co-op and the people at Odeo always let some of the love for the idea bleed out into their audience and their products.

It’s all about the passionate teams and the passionate environments. So next time I say yes - you’ll know I’m hooked; and the next time I say no, then maybe it’s time to find someone who’ll be passionate about your product. Find passionate people and you’ll do great.