I own my own business. And like all good businesses, mine is hemorrhaging cash as a tax write off. Luckily I have a full time job that I can devote my spare time to, and earn enough money to feed my business. Sometimes there is a little left over to feed my family.
The problem; I’m weak. I want to appear calm and in control. So I smile while I bend over and take it up the ass. In truth, I thought that running a business would land me in control. I let some people shower me with compliments and I began to work my heart out, neglecting my family and taking my aggression out on my wife. I let people lead me believing that the big payout was just around the corner.
Well, people will use you when there’s money to be made, and if they can make it on your back, they will. I don’t so much believe that these people are intentionally mean or dishonest. They simply look out for their best interest first. If you can help them with their bottom line, they are happy to enlist your help.
I’ve also leaned another valuable lesson. Beware of Christian companies. If they are wearing the banner of Christ on their sleeves, then they don’t have Him enough in their hearts. It is far more difficult to be a Christian than to use the Cross to sell your product or service. They too are out for their bottom line first and the service of Christ second.
What it comes down to is you can’t be a nice guy and run a business. You can be nice, but not in the service of your business. When it comes to your business you have to look out for it’s interests.
Now enough of that. I won’t make that mistake again. Either, I will fold up shop and turn in my License or I’m gonna find that million dollar idea and ride it as long as I can. God willing.
My next post is on faith. I’ve been working on it for a while. I hope I can finish it in time.
1 comment:
I definitely agree that you can't be a nice guy and run a business. I've been struggling with the same problem. I have clients that have owed me money for so long, but I can't cut their service off for fear of affecting our personal relationship. It just gets too complicated for me when I have to collect a bill. Perhaps someday I will be making enough money to hire someone to do my accounting and bill collecting for me.
But alas, for now, I have to (as you put it) smile and bend over and take it, while my clients get free service and make empty promises.
Anyway, I feel your pain. Hang in there.
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