Business Systems are key to keeping our business and relationships professional.
And, with all the discussion about how to get paid and when to get paid, many of us also do pro bono work - just like attorneys!  So how do attorneys manage to do "no charge" and still remain professional?  They have a system:

Attorneys  are always sharing information - many times at no charge to family and friends.  They get asked to help friends and family with P&S or anything else that requires their legal eye to review some contract or paperwork.

My friend was helping his friends who were considering the purchase of a second home.  They asked him to put together the purchase and sale - some negotiations were required and eventually all the parties signed.

Because this is a business - and there is a system - and even though this work was no charge - An invoice was still prepared for the full amount of what would normally be charged.  Because this is the system - all work gets billed. 

The difference was that across the invoice in large handwriting the attorney wrote:  no charge.

People do not appreciate or respect something for nothing and the invoice shows the value of the work.  The no charge notation shows the consideration.

The invoice was still prepared because that is the system.

So next time you do anything for "no charge" - and we all do - be sure to show the value of your efforts and use your business system - prepare the invoice and handwrite "no charge" across it - and the client will appreciate and respect your efforts.       

Have a Staged & Colorful Day!  Margaret

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