It is Necessary to Paper Up!

Often people get into agreements with other parties, particularly people they consider friends and family without any formal documentation. Let me let you in on a few hard truths:

1. People seem desperate and honest when they require
professional services;
2. Human beings tell lies. Plain and simple;
3. People develop amnesia once the job is done;
4. Money changes people’s attitudes;
5. It’s only business, no hard feelings.

Between 2019-2020, I rendered consultancy services for people I considered true and honest friends. I trusted their word of timely payment upon completion of work. I put in the time, tirelessly. They weren’t going anywhere they said, whenever I talked about a contract.

They were very happy with my services until the point when they needed to pay me. Then they suddenly stopped responding to emails, calls and text messages. Wow. Who could I blame for this? Even though, they chose the path of deceit, should I have bothered to take a legal route? I decided against it. But I bagged lessons for future interactions. Friendship, business and lies don’t mix. So PAPER UP!

Document the business agreements by all means, friend or not. You are not too officious’ if they complain of mistrust. Trusting everyone is just too pricey. Happy New Month!