Overfamiliarity can run down a business

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Have you ever heard the saying that 'there is no family when it comes to business', or that familiarity breeds contempt the family in context also refers to friends and close associates, some people don't know when not to cross the line, they take everything for granted, it's better for you as a business owner to come into this awareness on time and take your business serious, know when to set boundaries, stick by the rules and to falter in your decision making or you will learn the hard way just like I am doing now.

It's not fun running a financially unstable business and when you sit down to audit, you discover that most of your income, sometimes even capital included is in your clients/customers hold for being overly friendly and relaxed, they feel confident to come to patronize you on credit most of the time and you can't stand by your NO, you are killing your business In turn your finances gets affected greatly.

I took out my debtors list and shouted in shock this afternoon, the amount of money people owe me outside is enough for me to get the necessary upgrade I've been stalling with for a while, therefore my business has to suffer stagnation in that aspect. All these debts I noticed are due to being over-familiar with people, they have gotten too comfortable getting services from me most times with half payment, without paying back at the stipulated time, my business, therefore, has had to suffer from this, and I now source for funds outside to meet up instead of within the business.

So, how will I put a stop to this over-familiarity in my business and still retain good customers? Sadly, it has to be done the hard way.

1 I will set boundaries

When it's time for business, no side talks anymore, my business mode has to be fully activated. Avoid any other form of chit-chat as they tend to bring distraction, and focus on the business at hand.

2 Putting out a notice

I've always observed in some business places where people put out some of their rules and regulations for customers to read out like No credit today, come tomorrow I use to find it funny, but now, I know why that measure was taken, so, I'll be following suite.

3 Payment before Service

I've trusted a lot of customers in the past and got let down a lot, after using receiving their goods and services, they find it very hard to pay for what they ordered, and even when they were satisfied with the services, they end up giving one excuse or the other, forgetting that it's a business you are running, and business requires money to run, so not anymore am I allowing this anymore, most customers that do this are the ones I've gotten overly comfortable with.

Being friendly with your customers is a good thing, but don't let it get to the level of over familiarity, they begin to take you and the business for granted, and sometimes basic strict measures needs to be observed for the financial growth of the business.

Thank you for reading, I hope you find this piece helpful..❤❤

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