tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post7813776952125458797..comments2024-03-10T00:46:33.915-08:00Comments on WPatrickEdwards: Professional Rules For SuccessW. Patrick Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15001954861903457707noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post-56853428090467872882016-06-20T07:23:38.700-07:002016-06-20T07:23:38.700-07:00Note that your expectations for success should alw...Note that your expectations for success should always be higher than the clients.<br /><br />Getting a good tip is one way of recognizing this achievement.W. Patrick Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15001954861903457707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post-91549270592149207752016-06-19T12:40:24.612-07:002016-06-19T12:40:24.612-07:00Back when I worked in the corporate world, there w...Back when I worked in the corporate world, there was one guy who was especially 'corporate', hence I didn't like him very much.<br /><br />However, he had one good, simple statement, which I still use: <br /><br />"good business is about setting and meeting expectations".<br /><br />If you keep this in mind, it will help solve most problems before they occur.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09583922933279763769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post-46036839561774257652016-01-17T17:22:30.335-08:002016-01-17T17:22:30.335-08:00As an ex-lawyer I'd like to second the comment...As an ex-lawyer I'd like to second the comment that nothing is 'legal' until a judge rules it is - there's no shortage of disclaimers which are straight-out false and misleading or otherwise useless. And if you need to call in a lawyer you've already lost because their fees will undoubtedly dwarf what you stood to make to begin with.<br /><br />Rather than waste your time with putting 'legalese' on your invoices I think you're far better served following Patrick's advice to take the time to write down in detail what it is you'll do, and note clearly any problems or reservations you expect might arise. Get this agreed to before you start doing anything, or advise the client as soon as the problem rears its head.<br /><br />I'd also like to add a rule 'answer your emails'- I've lost count of the number of times businesses haven't replied to my queries - usually resulting in me not spending money with them. While we're at it make it easy to find your address, contact info and opening hours on your website. And include with normal business hours any extended closing times (eg over Christmas) in your phone answer message (which you should have). It's astounding the number of businesses that don't do simple things like this. It's like they don't want you to spend money with them.Renewable Community Powerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12120859145971821703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post-15084368239940883592016-01-08T07:54:11.201-08:002016-01-08T07:54:11.201-08:00I have seen commercial invoices with "legal&q...I have seen commercial invoices with "legal" disclaimers and specific protections printed all over them. There are two comments I would make. Number one: nothing is actually "legal" until a judge decides that in a court of law. That means that no matter what the paper says, it eventually comes down to a decision reached between competitive lawyers at some expense. Number two: seeing those "legal" phrases on the invoice instills a sense of fear and distrust on the part of the client.<br /><br />After all, they contacted you to do the work after a reference from another client or some positive posting on the internet. They already have enough confidence to ask you to do work for them.<br /><br />Your job is to keep it personal, friendly and, above all, professional. What that really means is that you comport your self properly in your actions and statements. Do what you say you will do.<br /><br />The invoice is just so they have a receipt and a document which you both agree to. That is enough of a legal document for me. It has always worked over the years. <br /><br />If I ever need a lawyer to settle a dispute I can only blame my self.<br /><br />W. Patrick Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15001954861903457707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post-49862843757105510322016-01-07T17:59:55.913-08:002016-01-07T17:59:55.913-08:00I'm with Freddy, I need better insurance. Any ...I'm with Freddy, I need better insurance. Any recommendations? <br /><br />You briefly mentioned your invoice being a contract, but do you have a general formal contract that has been drawn up by a lawyer? This is something I've been advised to do but haven't done yet.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12589690822815730578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post-20245324364908493982016-01-05T15:15:33.809-08:002016-01-05T15:15:33.809-08:00Great post Patrick. I've been self-employed a...Great post Patrick. I've been self-employed almost my entire adult life. It's not for everyone and when I see people fail it is more often than not from lack of motivation. Running your own show means, especially in the early years, that you work harder than most everyone else. Those of us who are lucky enough to love what we do don't see it as work and so it is not the burden that many think it is. I left the cabinet trade in my late 30s for a career in information technology, not because I couldn't make a go of it but because I got hooked on computers. I am now returning to the bench but this time around it's just for the sheer fun of it...although I will hang out my shingle again just to see where it leads.paulkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13190302250780768904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695685403802703716.post-4932970057319041142016-01-05T10:35:04.017-08:002016-01-05T10:35:04.017-08:00Pat,
Great blog post. I couldn't agree more. ...Pat,<br /><br />Great blog post. I couldn't agree more. Thank you so much for sharing. I guess I need to get better insurance after reading this post. Please keep sharing, you have a ton to offer to us wannabe makers and restorers.<br /><br />FRFreddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04258087497025481387noreply@blogger.com