Chalk this one up as a painful lesson learned. I wasn’t getting paid for work I had completed for a client. Multiple phone messages and emails I sent went unanswered and unacknowledged. I ultimately gave up trying and succumb to the fact I was stiffed on this project.
First, I gave up too early. Part of running your own business includes the role of debt-collector. I just took my lumps and wanted to move on with my life. Then the following year I received a 1099 for the work I was never paid for.
That should have been the first clue that this was an accounting mistake. Instead of cluing in, I immediately was outraged, which did not allow me to think clearly and logically. I did not try to see my client’s perspective or point of view, I only saw red. I didn’t have anything to lose and unleashed a new message for my client with a an accusatory tone and sharp words. I had every right to be mad, you can’t treat me like this.
Well, finally, I got a not-so-happy text response from the client saying that it was an accounting mistake… and then some. I got an explanation how they were not happy with my work anyway, and a few other derogatory statements.
Things Lost
The moment I let emotion into the equation and got ugly with the client was the moment I lost control of the situation. I thought I didn’t have anything to lose by behaving that way, but I was wrong! Things I lost at that moment:
- Dignity.
- Control. When the client owed money, I had the upper hand. The client was indebted to me, no matter what.
- Respect. I didn’t give the client the benefit of the doubt nor did I try to see the situation from their point of view. This is incredibly selfish and short sided. I was not empathetic.
- Communication. How can I expect someone to remain calm and talk to me after what I invoked? There was no more listening. No matter what I said afterward, it would not be heard. Without hearing, there is no more communication.
- Payment. While the client *did* send me payment a year later for my work, it was 1/2 of what was billed. While I lashed out, client decided I was no longer worth the full billing. Right or wrong? Doesn’t matter, it’s what happened.
- Referrals.
- Testimonial.
- Future Work.
- A client. The relationship was ruined, and there is absolutely nothing I can do to get it back.
Lessons Learned
I am sad that I ruined the client relationship. I have learned to not react with emotion, and to always stick with stating the facts when trying to collect debt. Staying calm and cool will retain the upper hand. If the situation calls for more extraneous measures, it’s time to call the lawyer and let them handle it. I do not have to be, nor want to be, the bad guy.
