Three reasons not to take on friends or relatives as clients…

Good advice from a recent newletter. Based on personal experience, there is too much risk for blowback and hard feelings.

#1–Your friend or family member might not have any clue about
market rates for freelance projects.

#2–They might assume that they’re entitled to a steep discount
because they know you.

#3–If the business relationship goes south, your friendship or
relationship could be damaged.

(Source: ASJA Weekly, 8/27/19)

A few years after starting my consulting practice, I was at a high school reunion. Like me, the husband of a classmate was an Electrical Engineer. We had a good time “geeking out”, and I even shared some quick ideas (gratis) for a problem he was having.

Had it stopped there, it would have been fine.

But then he asked for some additional research (with a report) which needed a day of my time. Although I was uneasy due to the old classmate connection, he insisted that he would gladly pay for it.

So I gave him a verbal cost estimate, and proceeded with the research and report.

Upon submitting my invoice, I was never paid. An awkward situation given the past friendship with my classmate, so I let it drop. But I was left wondering if it just fell through a crack –if I was intentionally stiffed — or he was upset at the cost.

Never did find out, but I suspect I was stiffed. Several years later I heard they divorced, and that he had been cheating on her. I felt bad as she deserved better.

A few years ago, I gain heard from my old classmate when she was working on another reunion. The exchange was pleasant, leading me to believe there were no hard feelings, or perhaps she was not even aware of her ex-husband’s behavior.

After all, he cheated on her — why not her friends?

Based on the initial encounter, I instituted a policy of NOT doing business with friends or relatives. Brief free advice was fine, as it was for anyone. But if it were more involved, I would offer a referral to a colleague rather than handle it myself. Much like a doctor would do.

I suggest you do the same!

P.S. Back on schedule – shooting for two posts per month. Thanks for your patience during my blogging sabbatical.

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