It's Business It's not personal

The saying, "It's business, it's not personal" has been around for years but I remember it best from one of my favorite movies You've got Mail. Just thinking of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in this adorable romantic comedy puts a smile on my face. But this post isn't about romance or movies. It's about getting a thick skin and putting on your "business hat."

I've had a recent experience with a very young, inexperienced graphic artist whom I had hired in February  that has not ended favorably. After a few months working together I realized that this business relationship was not going to work out so I explained that SassaB was going in another direction and to please send me an invoice for the remaining balance of our contract. That was April. I never received an invoice.

Ten days ago I ran into this young, inexperienced graphic artist and when I cheerfully approached her to say "Hello" she curtly said, "We are still under contract." Because I had not received an invoice four months ago when I requested one and had not heard from her, I assumed we were all square with payment. Apparently not.

Long story short, I have requested an invoice three times now (via email) and still have not received one. I'm not sure why she is not billing me but I can only chalk it up to her lack of experience working with clients and hopefully this can be a learning experience for her.

What I have learned is that you get what you pay for and...It's business, it's not personal.