Before I ever started a business I’ve always heard one quote echoed across every business owner I met “Never work with family and friends”. It seemed insane that you would exclude the closest people to you but a decade into doing gigs to starting a business I fully understand why people feel this way. Recent events working with family made me realize it is not that you can’t work with family and friends but it’s how you work with family and friends. So here is my short guide to working with those closest to you to avoid losing relationships.
- Treat Family and Friends the same as clients – I know, I know most family will want things for free or a discount. You may actually lose them as a client but two things you can consider here! First, they will pay top dollar for this service anywhere else so you shouldn’t have to work for free (If it’s your mom have a heart). Second, I wouldn’t want to work with anyone who doesn’t respect my time, craft and knowledge. The same boundaries we set with clients need to be set for Family and Friends, diverting from this is what often leads to chaos.
- Responding to “Family and Friends Discount” – I have a small list of people who I do free things for, as well as discounts. To get on this list meant that they have made full price purchases and therefore “hooking” them up isn’t an issue for me. This goes back to the respect aspect, if they want a discount they should be supporting you in more ways than one. I offer referral discounts currently so if they are bringing me leads they receive a discount on a future purpose, at this point everyone wins.
- Keep it Professional – This is where I failed recently sad to say! Remember you represent your business and no matter what treat it as if the world is watching (Hint: it is). Having your policies and procedures in place saves you from a lot of back and forth banter. Venting is fine but don’t pull a me and vent on Facebook lol, writing in a journal or speaking with someone close will help you just KEEP IT OFFLINE (IF POSSIBLE). Any disagreements should be handled in person if it is safe to do so or over the phone, keep away from texting as things can get carried away and communication can become a major miscommunication.
- Fire Them – If you’ve done all you can and still there are issues then you can do what I always recommend and fire them as a client. Complete any work that needs to be completed, refund them (Policies and Procedures) if need be. Once all work is completed and the final transactions are done add them to your personal blacklist and keep your business going.
We can’t salvage every relationship but 1-3 if implemented from the start can help you never reach reach the fourth from my list. Remember to keep your emotions in check as no one should be able to control your emotions, you are the captain of your ship. Hopefully these tips help you, I plan to go more in depth on a two key items mentioned – Discounts & Policies and Procedures.
