The current economic pressure is another reminder for all self-employed (which I am too!) to have a closer look at business relationships, how they start, how they grow, how they vanish.
Some start fast (whilst buying a coffee), some take time to flourish and mature.
In either case, when it’s well done, you have a genuine interest coming from both parties, an exchange. I need to see a click in you, you most probably need to see that too.
As a supplier or a buyer, I work with criteria and values, and building relationships allows me to make choices as well.
I am no longer working with people who pay only 90 days later. Because I want to spend time creating and delivering services rather than chasing bad payers.
It has been a painful process but I have learnt to say no to prospective clients who want everything for free too. Simply because I can’t afford to! And as a single mum, it’s a decision I have to make fast.
My mentor would say to me, if it’s not working, have another look at your business model, and play with it. This is where you’ll find the answer.
In return, I choose to offer services on a pro-bono basis to specific organisations and individuals. And a lot of them too!
But there you go, this is the way I learn, this is the way I get to meet people, and this is the way sometimes, I end up doing business with some of them. As a buyer or a provider.
Some of them are actually younger people starting in business and have understood the value of relationship building. They are keen to get contracts and pieces of work (isn’t it what it is all about when you are doing business??) but they would never partner up with or sell their services to someone they haven’t “checked” before! It goes both ways. If I don't fit, they won’t talk to me.
So it’s not a matter of age.
As a buyer or a provider, I want to know how I fit in your business, I want to know how you fit in mine. Make it simple, make it specific.
If I can’t see it, teach me.
Around a cup of coffee. ;-)
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