I’d been (note the PAST tense here) consulting with a client for several weeks and just ended the relationship recently. I believed in the product and thought the business model had potential. Sounds great! Wanna know where it broke down? The client WASN’T upfront and honest about their true intentions for the business and our relationship. They said all the “right” things about how they “valued my contributions” and wanted me as a “long term partner”, but ACTIONS speak louder than words folks.
True business partnerships are built on trust and authenticity. I did EVERYTHING I said I would do for this client; however, the client never stepped up to the plate when they needed to. When it’s time to ACT, there is no time for hesitation. I had leveraged MULTIPLE personal relationships on behalf of this client, and had greatly increased the value of their emerging enterprise in the process. In exchange, I got nothing but hot-air, vague promises and outright lies. Oh well, I’m not mad. Actually, I’m in the mood to get even.
