What will you do for money?

I believe that being in business is one of the most interesting character developing and personal growth exercises! It seems every day we have an opportunity to be tested and define our parameters, not just in terms of business practices and policy, but in who we are and how we behave in relation to clients, prospects, vendors and our community.

Yesterday I was approached by a new firm offering a leadership coaching program. The representative wanted to a) sell me on signing up, and b) secure my agreement to promote their program to my circle of professional contacts. She was very surprised when I told her that I never enter into commission or kickback agreements.

Why not? We all need cash flow to sustain our businesses and lifestyle, and wouldn’t it be nice to have an additional source of income just show up from time to time?

The stance we have taken in my firm is that if we know of a product, service or resource that would be valuable to colleagues, friends or business allies, we are happy to send it along to them with no thought of compensation.
And if we don’t see that kind of value, there isn’t enough money in the world to secure my referral on any terms.

What do you think? Is there another point of view that I am missing? Love to feature your comments and feedback in a future book or upcoming blog article.
Colette Acheson

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