I know that it is very difficult not to give special favor to your family or
friends, but this can also cause problems. Can you keep track of what discount
you gave to other friends or family? Was it 15% or 20%? Who gets this discount?
Is it just for first cousins or do third cousins qualify? People talk you know.
And you can really upset folks by showing favor to one person and not to
another. If you still want to do something for family and friends, I’d suggest
making up some coupons for “first time customers” and handing them out to
family or friends, or a “preferred customer” coupon that gives everyone the
same discount. Whatever you do, be sure to be professional and consistent.
In God We Trust, All Others Must Pay
This is my new business motto. I saw a sign with this motto on it in a craft
store one time and thought it was hilarious. Now, being a business owner, I
understand it clearly! In addition to web design and freelance writing, I also
own a custom-fit bra salon (although I’m phasing out of this business). I can’t
tell you how many times I’ve agonized because I let friends or family take
product on “credit”.
To this day, some still owe me and I know that I’ll probably never see that
money. I consider it a bought lesson because I should have never let them walk
out of my shop without paying me. I hope you will adopt this motto. It will
save you lots of heart and pocket ache.
Business Hours
Be sure to make your business hours very clear to family and friends. If you
do not, you’ll be getting business calls at home at 9 p.m. in the evening. The call will be camouflaged, but
eventually, they’ll get around to their reason for calling you. Set strict
business hours and protect your personal time.