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Very often in the corporate world the unwritten rule is that the boss cannot socialize or become friendly with the people who work “for” him. If a boss and his workers get too friendly, there is a perception of favoritism within the office which can often lead to jealousy and a lack of morale.
In the work-at-home world, there is quite a different perception. Moms especially tend to see other work-at-home moms (WAHMs) as equals or as potential mentors or partners. Sure, there is still competition, but we are all working for the same purpose: to make a living from home so we can care for our children.
Yesterday I received a package in the mail from one of my clients/friends. She had told me in a chat that she had the “perfect” thing for me and would ship it out soon.
I couldn’t stop laughing when I opened up the package and found a voodoo doll!
I wonder what a corporate boss would think if he saw a voodoo doll on my desk?
11 comments ↓
HA HA! That’s great!
Gee… wish I had a cool client like that. ROFL!
That is too funny!
I have to say that people seeing their clients as friends doesn’t always work out, though.
I’ve heard so many excuses “you know me”, “i’ll get to you soon”, “you know i’m having a rough time right now”.
I love being friendly with my assistants, but when they abuse that…it leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.
NOT that you’re going to be that way (LOL), I’m just making a general comment about some things I’ve experienced with assistants & wahm busniess owners I do dealings with.
That’s a very valid point, Nell, and one that I hadn’t thought of. I guess I’m still in the “honeymoon phase” of being a WAHM and have not had this situation arise…yet.
I can see how that line can be crossed very easily, from either side. VAs might think they can let a deadline slip or clients might think they can ask for more services than they are willing to pay for.
I feel a bunch of blog topics swarming my head just on this topic! Thanks so much for showing me a different viewpoint.
I do agree with Nell… but overall it’s great fun working with friends. I just think everyone needs to keep the professional stuff on a professional level if you’re being paid or bartering or whatever.
Communication is key!
But a Vodoo Doll - that’s just too funny! I wonder who could have given you that??? Tee hee!
I have to say that even if I am friends with my clients. There are still deadlines that have to be meet. Sure we can be friends but work needs to be done and then we can chit chat. I love th vodoo doll.
HAHAHAH WOW Well see I believe in Voo Doo so I’d be a nervous nelly around that thing
I am with Nell on a few things, she is so right, it doesn’t always work! Its unfortunate — but very true. I for one pride myself in being easy to work and very forgiving with things but after too many excuses, my patience run very, very thin and I turn into a not so happy camper…LOL.
Now I’ve been working with you for quite some time now and altho you say you are in the “honeymoon” phase of WAH you are VERY honest, open and candid about what you can & will do and in what time frame you will do it in. That alone is worth its weight in GOLD when it comes to VA’s!
Plus you are FUNNY as heck and a lot of fun to work with …LOL
Aurelia,
You’ll be happy to see that my voodoo doll is still securely snug in his packaging. No worries!
But you do bring up a very good point of hiring a VA (or any team member) who is honest and with whom you feel confident that your project won’t be forgotten about.
Just because we do business in the online world does not mean traditional interviewing should go out the door! Even a 10 minute phone conversation can tell you a lot about a person
Christina,
Don’t you bring out that darn doll the next time I plop a big project in your inbox…LOL!!!
ITA with you about the conversation with people too. Hmmm I never actually interviewed a VA but chat frequently online and over the phone a few times but never in an interview fashion per se’. Hmmm
Too funny and what Nell, Aurelia and the est say are true. It takes a special type of personality for two folks to work together and be friends.
Case in point I have a very good friend that I worked with in many ventures. I soon found that she was slow to get things done, made many excuses, which I hate, and she was a bit envious of a few things. I am a hot head and would tend to get snappy. I started to realize that it was just not going to work and slowly pulled back from all that we were doing.
On the other hand I have great friend that I do business with.
Yeah, you better keep that doll in its box my friend! lol
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