“I can’t believe they said that”, Gail said. “That’s just so wrong!”.
We were in the car, headed for Walmart to pick up some ice cream for Gail’s birthday cake.
Earlier that day I had read an email. I was gobsmacked when I got to the end.
I’m on a bunch of mailing lists from fellow bookkeepers and accountants as well as freelancers, coaches and consultants. I like seeing what my professional peers and ideall clients are up to, what they’re thinking about, and what’s the latest hot tool or industry gossip.
I’ve been able to use some of the stuff that I’ve learned over the years to help me and my clients.
But that afternoon’s email blew me away – and not in a good way.
It was about software tools and why the writer would or wouldn’t recommend them to their peers or clients.
They recommend something if they:
- Know that it solves a genuine solution to a real problem
- Know and trust the people behind the brand and that they would treat well anyone sent their way
- Use the product in their own business if there was a need for it
- Know that the supplier’s core values were congruent with their own
So far so good. That’s how I feel too.
Then came the mindblowing kicker that left me staring at the screen, mouth open:
“I only recommend a solution if I get paid by the vendor a reasonable amount of money without limits”.
Picture me then shouting:
WTF??? Shut the front door! Are you freakin’ kidding me?
If you get to know one thing about me, this is it:
One of my goals is to make your business life easier, less stressful, more efficient. Yes, I’m in this for the money (like you, I’ve got bills to pay), but I’m also here to provide you with peace of mind.
Providing and recommending the best solution to your needs is paramount.
That’s the way I operate.
If there’s a markup, a referral fee or affiliate program – that’s a bonus. It’s not the reason I’ll suggest it to you.
(And if there is, I’ll always tell you about it.)
So tell me, what do you think about this?
PS In case you were wondering the cake was home made, chocolate with no icing, rich and delicious. And we got French Vanilla ice cream to go with it.
PPS I’ve bounced this conversation off some other people and everyone’s reaction has been the same as mine. (I guess I know a ton of good people).
