When Free Isn't Free
Common Sense Business Solutions
August 2023
Excerpt from Cynthia Alloway
I sent Jack an email and when he didn’t respond I followed up with a phone call.
“Oh,” he said, “my computer isn’t working.”
“Let me give you the name of a dependable computer guy,” I said.
“No,” he replied. “I’ve go someone who’ll do it for free.”
A week later the computer was still down and Jack’s business was crippled. The amount of money he had lost during that week because of the needed computer repair would have replaced the computer.
Evan call for help with QuickBooks. He stated that the payroll records were “messed up” and he was receiving IRS notices. I asked why he hadn’t called sooner.
“Well,” he said. “I called a buddy who helped me for free.”
“Is your friend a QuickBooks expert?” I asked.
“No but he uses Quicken for personal finance, so he was confident he could figure it out.”
“How’d that work out for you?” I asked.
Sheepishly he replied, “That’s why I’m calling you.”
It never ceases to amaze me that otherwise competent and intelligent business owners will utilize someone with little or no qualifications and no particular sensitivity to urgency because they can get it for free. Sometimes business owners get sucked into the “free” service because a well-intentioned friend or family member has the best of motives in offering help. They really want to contribute to your success. So we are led to the brink of disaster hoping that “free” will pay off like the elusive quick pick lottery ticket. And the odds of coming out a winner are about the same.
So, what do you do without hurting someone’s feelings? Keep in mind that you are a business owner and your responsibility isn’t in boosting the egos of the well-intentioned but in running a well organized and profitable business. Your customers and employees depend upon your ability to make wise and well thought out decisions in the day-to-day operations of your business, as well as the ability to set a trajectory for the success of your business.
To avoid the lure and pitfalls of “free” stuff, put in place some guidelines to live by. Interview anyone who works for you (free or paid) by determining what you need, when you need it, what qualifications the provider should have, and ultimately whether you are confident they can complete the task in a professional and timely manner. If you get that gut feeling telling you “This might be a mistake”, it probably is. Ask yourself, “if money was taken out of the equation, what would I choose?” Within the answer to that question most likely lies the best decision.
You may win the lottery and get something for free. Or…you may find that “free” was the most expensive decision you ever made.
Common Sense Business Solutions, Inc. has been working with small to medium sized businesses of all kinds for over 20 years. Business coaching can help you to avoid some serious pitfalls. Don't learn expensive lessons the hard way. Call today to set up coaching for your business.
For information, visit http://www.commonsensebizsolutions.com/