I felt the need to write about this as if felt heavy on the forefront of my mind.
Entrepreneurs and small businesses have a gift in their trade which is usually why it’s their trade in the first place. They have a service to offer that enhances the lives and businesses around them.
I am that entrepreneur. I have that experience and expertise. I love helping people and creating opportunity for them. But a friend of mine, working in a similar industry, was faced with a problem that I recognized is one that should be addressed. What about when people don’t pay? Or avoid paying? Or skimp, trying to just pay the bare minimum?
Well, for me, I’m a heart centered business woman with a dedication to empowerment and conscious development. Does this mean that I should be content with people committing to payment and then disappearing suddenly when the bill arrives? I have a life as well. I am a single mom with three kids to take care of. Don’t mess with my kids. Hell. NO.
But wait – I’m a conscious, aware, loving, forgiving…..
……individual that deserves to be treated with a reciprocated respect for my skills, my care, services and humanity.
So where’s the balance? Well, from where I sit, you /we have a few options.
First of all, hold love in your heart for that person. START THERE. I know you may be distracted at how pissed you are that it’s going down like this, but this is your chance to practice what you preach.
Start with love. Remember that they too, are human. Have you ever been unable to pay a bill? I’ve been there. When you have every utility company state-wide calling to remind you that your gas money belongs to them, it’s hard not to go into a place of panic and anger for your feelings of poverty.
Feel Your Abundance & Share It With Them. Remember why you started working with them. They requested your services to make their life / business better. (…looks like they still need you) You can now help yourself AND them. Close your eyes and consider the beauty and joy in your life. Feel your own abundance – regardless of your non-paying frustration – and then imagine the same for them. Imagine their finances straightening out and them experiencing that peace that comes with knowing YOU CAN pay what you owe.
Decide What the Need is. Now is the time for you to kick in your intuition, self-respect, and clarity. Each situation is different and will require various responses. For certain clients, it will be just what they need to be reminded and strictly held to contract and agreement. Some are going through serious hardship and it will be best to forgive the debt, knowing it’s your good juju and to their loving blessing. The ones who truly need a forgiven debt will likely be that much committed to you in the future. The ones you choose to collect from, may not see the necessity now, but will learn and hopefully grown in the process. Respect your trade. Remember that not paying for *your* services is no different from a client leaving a restaurant without paying. Both are technically stealing. But this is conscious business. Some people will need to be held to strict accountability and some will need abounding grace. ALL NEED LOVE.
Keep love as the motivation behind all your words and actions and your heart will lead you toward the right response for the moment.
Has this ever happened to you? How did you respond? Let me know in the comments below!
*For more information on living fully, following your bliss and creating your life & business, go to www.navaeinspired.com, sign up for the mailing list or just say HELLO!
Have a miraculous day. It’s yours for the taking.
Desire & be 