Small business owners often tell me they feel completely ‘stuck ‘or ‘paralysed’ at the very thought of asking a client to pay past due accounts.
A lot of us can identify with those feelings…
The last thing I wanted to do was to upset clients by asking for payment of past due accounts…
… and see them return to my competitors.
My ‘light bulb’ moment came from an ‘award-winning service’ workshop, where I learnt that the secret to happiness is helping others.
It sounds odd I know but…
…it made perfect sense…
Owning a recruitment company, that’s exactly what we did all day, every day…
… we helped people find their ‘dream job’…
…and we helped clients find the ‘perfect fit’ for their team.
We started to give other people the chance to have a happy day by helping us get our past due accounts paid.
For example, when trying to contact someone who was always ‘in a meeting’ we used an ‘open’ question…
… we asked the receptionist/gatekeeper for their help:
“I wonder if you can help me. I really do need to speak to Mr. Client, what time do you think he’ll be free?”
Then we paused and waited for their help. They helped us to get our past-due account paid, and we helped them have a happier day.
“I NEED YOUR HELP” What could be easier (and happier?)
What powerful words could you use to get past due accounts paid?
To your business success!
