Don't Burn Bridges In Business

[BizyDad]

Just had an interesting series of events happen.

A while back I had a locksmith client. He was a PAIN. Like inappropriate text messages about politics at 11 pm kind of pain. Make a long story short, I had to fire him. I did it gently. Respectfully. But it had to be done.

That was December 2018.

This past Sunday I got 3 calls from a business number I don't recognize. Dude left a message saying a friend of mine told him he had to work with me. I called Monday morning, we chatted briefly. I asked which friend of mine referred him. He told me it was a locksmith who came out immediately and helped him out when he locked his keys in his car. I've only known one locksmith, and I know his preferred route, so I ask was it close to cross streets X and Y? Yes it was. Exactly.

I told him I'd do my research and we set a 2nd meeting to go over the plan and results.

But the guy doesn't stop texting. He tells me the locksmith raved about my work and he had to work with me. He doesn't want to wait until Monday's meetings. How much will it cost to work together?

At this point I am thinking this guy migt be be a hassle. But he is just like any other business owner who is facing hard times and worried his business is heading under. I usually like those kinds of projects. Even though I hadn't done my normal research yet, I had a ballpark figure in my head of a starting fee.

Because of the potential hassle, I tacked on 50% and texted him the number. He asked for an invoice yesterday. Paid it today.

I got a new premium client today because over 4 years ago I did a good job for someone, was respectful in how I needed to end the relationship, and apparently that person still speaks highly of me.

Don't burn your bridges Fastlane Fam.

 

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[Andy Black]

Just had an interesting series of events happen.

A while back I had a locksmith client. He was a PAIN. Like inappropriate text messages about politics at 11 pm kind of pain. Make a long story short, I had to fire him. I did it gently. Respectfully. But it had to be done.

That was December 2018.

This past Sunday I got 3 calls from a business number I don't recognize. Dude left a message saying a friend of mine told him he had to work with me. I called Monday morning, we chatted briefly. I asked which friend of mine referred him. He told me it was a locksmith that helped him out when he locked his keys in his car. I've only known one locksmith, so...

I told him I'd do my research and we set a 2nd meeting to go over the plan and results.

But the guy doesn't stop texting. He tells me the locksmith raved about my work and he had to work with me. He doesn't want to wait until Monday's meetings. How much will it cost to work together?

At this point I am thinking this guy migt be be a hassle. But he is just like any other business owner who is facing hard times and worried his business is heading under. I usually like those kinds of projects. Even though I hadn't done my normal research yet, I had a ballpark figure in my head of a starting fee.

Because of the potential hassle, I tacked on 50% and texted him the number. He asked for an invoice yesterday. Paid it today.

I got a new premium client today because over 4 years ago I did a good job for someone, was respectful in how I needed to end the relationship, and apparently that person still speaks highly of me.

Don't burn your bridges Fastlane Fam.

I imagine people we treat badly also remember and say so years later. Might as well do good by people and have the invisible hand working for you not against you.

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[FluidWater]

Just had an interesting series of events happen.

A while back I had a locksmith client. He was a PAIN. Like inappropriate text messages about politics at 11 pm kind of pain. Make a long story short, I had to fire him. I did it gently. Respectfully. But it had to be done.

That was December 2018.

This past Sunday I got 3 calls from a business number I don't recognize. Dude left a message saying a friend of mine told him he had to work with me. I called Monday morning, we chatted briefly. I asked which friend of mine referred him. He told me it was a locksmith that helped him out when he locked his keys in his car. I've only known one locksmith, so...

I told him I'd do my research and we set a 2nd meeting to go over the plan and results.

But the guy doesn't stop texting. He tells me the locksmith raved about my work and he had to work with me. He doesn't want to wait until Monday's meetings. How much will it cost to work together?

At this point I am thinking this guy migt be be a hassle. But he is just like any other business owner who is facing hard times and worried his business is heading under. I usually like those kinds of projects. Even though I hadn't done my normal research yet, I had a ballpark figure in my head of a starting fee.

Because of the potential hassle, I tacked on 50% and texted him the number. He asked for an invoice yesterday. Paid it today.

I got a new premium client today because over 4 years ago I did a good job for someone, was respectful in how I needed to end the relationship, and apparently that person still speaks highly of me.

Don't burn your bridges Fastlane Fam.

Awesome story.

Reminds me of the concept of weak and strong ties. And how weak ties in business/job applications are more important that strong ties.

 

[BizyDad]

And how weak ties in business/job applications are more important that strong ties.

I don't know that one. Can you elaborate?

 

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[FluidWater]

I don't know that one. Can you elaborate?

Here is an article on it.

Essentially, acquaintances are more likely to be useful in job searches as they exponentially expand your network (friends of friends).