1. It’s not personal, it’s business.
I know better than to let my emotions dictate my decision making at work. And I’m great at compartmentalization. But let’s get real. When you are the owner, the visionary, the chief, cook and bottle washer – IT’S ALL PERSONAL.
It’s personal when I make a commitment to work on Saturday, get a babysitter for my kids and then you don’t show up. It’s personal when I put my life’s learning to work on your account and then you change your mind and decide you don’t want to pay me. It’s personal when I spend hours and hours pouring over your file, your market and your client information only for you to disagree with my recommendations. It’s personal.
Many many years ago Picasso was painting a canvas on the street when a young couple approached him. “Picasso, my goodness! Would you please paint a portrait of my new lovely bride?” Immediately Picasso set to work and in 30 minutes produced a beautiful rendition of the bride. When the young man asked Picasso how much he owed him for such a masterpiece, Picasso replied “$5000″
“$5000? You must be joking. It took you only 30 minutes” came the astonished young man’s reply.
“no, no dear sir” said Picasso, “it took me my whole life.”
2. The check is in the mail.
Listen, I run a small business. I understand cash flow. I also understand how the postal system works. If you don’t have the funds or haven’t made it to the post office because something came up, please just tell me. Don’t blow smoke up my skirt and tell me it’s in the mail. My mailman really hates it when I give him a dirty look if he passes by my office with no delivery for me.
I can take the truth. I’m a big girl. Let’s all just commit to honoring our commitments.
3. Telling me I’m amazing and then not listening to my advice.
I’ve spent close to fifteen years honing my craft. If I make a recommendation to you it’s because I have spent hours learning your business, understanding your customer and running all of this information through my experience and expertise filter. I’m not just making this stuff up. Really.
If I make a recommendation it’s because I truly believe that if you put it into practice you will achieve the goal you shared with me. If you haven’t been upfront about your goal – well, that’s another story.
4. “We don’t know what to do – but we just want to bring it to your attention” And it’s too late for me to do anything
Ok, this is my least favorite especially of late. If you have run into a snag and aren’t going to be able to do what you committed to doing, please tell me as soon as you know. I wont be upset (little girls get upset), I wont get angry. I’ll work with you to come up with a solution.
But please do try and come to me with some solutions. Mistakes happen. We all make them. I know, I’ve been there. But some ideas about how to fix the situation would be helpful instead of dumping the issue back on my lap in the final hour. It makes me cranky.
5. “I don’t want to pay you, but can I call you every day and ask your advice?”
NO. You can’t. This also makes me a bit cranky. I’m a helpful person. I truly want to see you succeed. But after coffee and picking my brain – sorry you’re going on the clock. You expect to be paid for your expertise – right? So do I.
On the other hand, if you’re honest and upfront – heck I’ll do my best to help if I have the time and the expertise. I love being helpful.
6. “it’s not MY JOB”
Honey. It is your job. If it wasn’t I wouldn’t ask you. And if it isn’t and I just need your help, I’ll say so.
And finally, #7. “You SHOULD do __________” When the truth is – you have no idea what you are talking about.
I really try hard not to ‘should’ on people. I anticipate that people would then not ‘should’ on me. If I ask for your advice, great – give and give it to me straight. If I didn’t – then don’t.
Have a great weekend!
Jude
