I have been contemplating whether or not I was going to publish this post for the last few days. I have obviously decided that I should. Maybe my experience will help someone else in their business.
Last week I wrapped a few of my church members at a bbq. That was exciting because I really had no intentions of doing so. It gave me a feeling of accomplishment because when you join a network marketing company most people are skeptical and doubtful,especially the people closest to you. Since we had an impromptu wrap party, the ladies told me they'd pay me for the wraps on Sunday. Cool Beans. I had no problem with that.
On Saturday night I kept debating with myself about whether or not I should send a reminder text since it had almost been a week, and I know people have busy schedules. For me this was strictly business. I thought about all of the other times I had been so timid about money matters when I was a part of another network marketing company. I hated dealing with money and felt like it was a turn off for customers when you approached them about their balance. But I need to change that mentality in order to succeed.
I told myself that since this is a business I decided to build, I need to realize that money comes with the territory. I wasn't going to allow my discomfort with approaching people about money, stop me from building my dreams. So I waited until Sunday morning and sent a general text to everyone reminding them to bring their money to church. Boom! Message sent, I felt like a grown woman handling her business.
I received a text from one of the women that really hurt me. I think I was more hurt because I knew my intentions weren't to offend anyone, especially this particular woman who I consider a good friend. This was the main reason why it had taken me so long to send the text. No lie, I almost didn't go to church because I felt so distraught over the fact that she'd think I didn't trust her or that I was hounding her for money.
I kept questioning whether I really did something wrong. That's the conflict when it comes to friends and business. I was thinking in terms of my business and how I need to ask for what is owed just like any other business person. Her mindset was, if we're friends you shouldn't feel the need to ask me for money because I haven't given you a reason not to trust me.
The whole thing sucked! I did call her on Monday and apologize. We had a short discussion about it and that was that. I'm thankful for the learning experience but I'm even more thankful that I didn't lose a friendship over it.
