The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]

Not asking for it, getting it.

One of the worst situations I ever had was a company – who I obviously no longer work with – who took seven months to pay.

SEVEN.

Not because they were having a hard time.
Not because they lost my invoice information.
But because they thought they could.

And you know what, they could … because in the big scheme of things, I was a mosquito in terms of their ‘suppliers’ and so I was ignored as a priority.

Again.
And again.
And again.

But you know what else mosquitos can be?

Annoying little fuckers and I used that experience to learn from my mistakes, resulting in an updated set of T&C’s that now contain clauses that state – the longer the delay in their payment, based on pre-agreed terms – the more implications they will be subjected to.

It starts off with a relatively small % increase, based on what is owed, added to the bill.

Then there is an increase in the % of a more significant amount.

And then finally, they grant me approval of being able to publicly shame them as well as charge them – up to $1000 – for the costs of ‘advertising’.

Have I ever had to use it?

Well, I have in terms of increasing the amount owed due to late payment, but never anything more than that …

In fact, when dealing with companies with a procurement department, that is the ‘clause’ they generally always demand is removed to which I always respond in the same way:

“Are you intending on delaying my payment for work undertaken?”

Have I lost work because of this approach?

Yep … I have, but not only do I not want to work with people who knowingly withhold payment, I also am of the attitude that chasing up monies is also ‘loss of work’.

I get it’s economically tough out there.

I also appreciate I’m speaking from a position of privilege and good fortune.

And while I’ve not had too many problems regarding getting paid from the people/companies I’ve worked with in the past, I know many do.

In fact, what they tell me is it’s the companies who talk about their values and commitment to best practice who are the worst to pay on time.

Which is why if you’re a sole trader or a freelancer – or are thinking about it – you need to get comfortable with respecting your own value.

You should not feel lucky to be paid for the work you have done.

And while it’s fair to say companies are in a position of power in a lot of relationships, your approach and attitude can help even up the score.

Not by being an asshole, but by being clear in what you will and won’t accept.

Including the small print in your T&C’s.

Anyone going out on their own is doing something special. But those who do it ‘hoping’ it will work out are being complicit in their own troubles.

So to try and stop you making the same mistakes I’ve made – as well as learn the good lessons I’ve been fortunate enough to receive – here are some posts that may/may not be of some use.

Good luck. It’s tough, but my god it is rewarding.

Harrison Ford and the value of value.

Michael Keaton thinking like a small business.

How Metallica’s management appreciate value.

Relationships build business.

Procurement departments are just playing a game called ‘negotiation’.

Know what you’re in the business of actually delivering.