Have you ever known a person who dangles a carrot in return for something significant but never puts out anything valuable themselves? When I was a less sophisticated legal nurse consulting business owner I often gave much more than I received in my business relationships. Then one day I decided I wasn’t willing to settle for the stick. I started measuring payoff in every business relationship and not surprisingly my legal nurse consulting business soared. When we say yes to one thing, we are saying no to something else. That’s why assessing payoff is so important.
Even as an experienced entrepreneur, I found myself this year giving full on in a business relationship only to come up empty. Well not entirely empty, I did get the stick after all. I finally had my “Eureka” moment – “I am getting nothing out of this. It’s time to let it go!” And so I did.
What about you? Are you in alliances with subcontractors who give as much as they get? For example, do you always come through with expert witnesses for one of your CLNC® subcontractors, but she never has any for you? Drop her like a hot potato now and invest in a CLNC relationship that is two-sided. Seek a partner, not just a taker.
We expect to give unconditional love to our children and family. But when it comes to business, if the payoff isn’t there, it’s best not to allow that person to sit at your table. Maybe it’s time you take the carrot before they give you the stick.
I’m Just Sayin’
P.S.Comment here and share how you determine which business relationships to foster and which to reject outright.
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*The opinions and statements made by Vickie Milazzo, the founder of Medical-Legal Consulting Institute, Inc. are based on her experiences and expertise, should not be applied beyond the specific context provided, and do not guaranty or project actual results. Vickie Milazzo is no longer involved in the operations or management of the business, but is involved as an independent education consultant.
