Molly Will Never Get My Business

An editor contacted me, after reading my blog. Said she liked my posts and could help me make them better with a bit of editing. I'm an editor, so I know how important it is to have another set of eyes look at my writing. I'm the person who says "edit or regret it." Well, I called her the morning I read her email.

We decided we would barter. She would edit my website, rather than my blog, and I would edit hers. I'd seen a mistake on the first page of her website and chalked it up to her being human, like me. Humans make mistakes, right?

Several weeks passed. Today I got an email from her and some notes. She said she hadn't edited my pages but provided me with some notes about what changes are needed. In her email she wrote, "I certainly hope you aren't offended by the Notes." I cringed. I opened her Notes cautiously, fearfully.

Perhaps her feedback is spot on but it's hard to swallow because of the tone and spirit in which she delivered it. Had I done anything right on my website? One thing? Something? Not according to Molly. If I had, she never mentioned it.

Here's the lesson, if we're in business to help people then we'd better learn how to give them feedback with love and care. Molly helped me. She caused me to remember that it's not just what we say...but how we say it. People are fragile. We're doing what we do to the best of our ability. Isn't our effort worth something? I think so.

Molly won't get my business. Nor will I send any clients her way. Why would I? She's clueless about how to treat them. I don't know about you, but Molly has reminded me to treat people like I want to be treated, with love and care. Even when we're doing business. We either treat them right or they're go away. As they should!

Peace & Love, DeBora