Susan's comments

I've got this on my calendar, but I'm having serious sun issues -- I am dealing with pre-cancerous moles -- so if it's a wildly sunny day I might not make it. Better the truth than you thinking I'm not interested...Maybe more info than y'all want to hear, but it's maddening to live in Oregon and not be able to sit in the sun.

THAT SAID --

This will be posted as a Biznik event shortly, so please mark your calendars for this one:

Liability & Taxes: Have You Reviewed Your Business Structure Lately?

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM 9900 SW Greenburg Road Suite# 150 Portland, OR 97223

This is ideal for newer business folks and a refresher course for the rest of us. Like I said, watch for it as an event, no RSVPs til then, I just want to get a jump on your calendars.

Sorry, not sure I can make it. It's still on my calendar, just in case...hope to catch up with you all later. Susan

Thanks for the invite -- I've got it penciled in. Will have to be a shady spot, I'm sun-sensitive...one of the odd benefits of living in the NW. See you then.

Good article, Elge --- it reminds me of the adage: If you want something right, do it yourself. It's true for start-ups: There are certain things we must learn to do ourselves, so that we know what the job looks like when done right -- and THEN we can hire someone to do it for us.

Delegation, or a new hire, works best when we can outline our expectations, and know what skillset we're looking for. Then we'll make wise decisions that advance our business and do a "favor" to ourselves, and our new employee.

An example: I am horrible at math...darn good thing I'm a writer. Bookkeeping scares me, but I realize I have to learn HOW to do it so that I understand my revenue stream, taxes, etc.

As soon as I learn this, my goal is to hire someone to do my bookkeeping for me -- and I'll know 1) how it's done 2) what the skills are (yes of course a degree to start) 3) reasonable expectations to ensure the jobs is done "the way I want it done" (or better)....

Thanks for writing --

Bravo! As a business writer myself I couldn't have said it better. The challenge is hooking up with clients who understand that when it comes to writing, one size does not fit all -- and you do get what you pay for. Thanks for writing.

Here's my solution: I work from home. I don't have my address on my business card. I don't have it on my website.

But my address is part of my company letterhead, which I use for invoices and quotes. I also include a Remit To/Address in the body of my letter.

I also have an address stamp, for any correspondence I do snail mail. And I will share it in email if needed.

This works well for me -- strikes a balance between useful communication and privacy.

Susan

What a great article. I bet you've got a bunch of biznikkers pondering 1. how they'd handle the chicken salad client and 2. how they should have handled it once they wipe the mayo off the wall.

I think understanding what drives us definitely helps us deal with clients better...and not take it out on the "others" in our lives.

Thanks -

Lots of great suggestions, you explained much. Thanks Elge.

I put myself through college working as a an incoming reservation sales agent for Quality Inns, Comfort Inns...this is not telemarketing, people dialed an 800 number to get to me...

Which is why questions like, "Will the water shortage in Atlanta affect the swimming pool?"

"My kid puked on the carpet. Send housekeeping."

Were so baffling...

One of my favorite conversations, still fresh after 20 years:

"My daughter is getting married. No, I want a double bed, not a queen, no I don't care if it's the same price, I want the smallest damn bed you can find." In the ugliest room, to boot. (I upgraded for free once the call ended)