You Write the Check

Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner or you have ever hired a person or company to do a job or provide you with a service you need to hear this. You write the check! Did you get that? You – write – the – check! When you are a paying customer you have the right to be happy with what you are getting. Your job is not the be nice. It is not to make the other person feel good. Your job is to be clear, polite, and prompt and to get what you paid for.

We’ve all seen it happen. Someone hires someone else to do a job. And that person doesn’t do what they were supposed to do in the timeframe they were supposed to do it. Not a pleasant situation, right? Of course not. But what usually happens next is where things go from bad to worse. The person that does the hiring, the one writing the check, starts to feel bad for the other person. They don’t want to be mean. They don’t want to make anyone feel bad.

I understand that. However, it is not your job to make the other person feel good about not delivering what they promised. It is your job to look out for your interests and be a good steward of your finances. This doesn’t mean you must be rude. But you also can’t just be a pushover. Cause guess what? Not everyone will do the right thing. Some people will take advantage. So here are some tips to help you avoid the situation and deal with it if it comes up.

• They are not your friends (even if they are) – When you are doing business with people remember they aren’t your friends. Not when you are paying them. And even if they are your friends if they are being a good friend they will want to do a good job for you.
• Your job isn’t to make concessions – Being nice to someone does not mean you should make concessions when they haven’t done something they were paid to do. Once you have agreed upon a service and a price it is their job to deliver. It is not your job to give them a pass.
• Set clear expectations – At the beginning make sure both sides understand what is expected and when. Get it in writing. Then stick to it. No need to be rude you’re just following up on what was put on paper.
• Be honest – If you aren’t satisfied, be honest. Most people and companies want to make you happy. They can’t do that if you aren’t honest.
• Don’t settle just because it is easier – Confrontation is difficult. No one enjoys it. But if you have followed the above advice it shouldn’t reach that. But if things have still gotten off track. Step back, take a deep breath and respectfully express your concerns and ask them to help you get it resolved. Don’t just settle.
• Most of all remember – You write the check!