Several years ago, I approached an old classmate from high school who was in the construction business and asked him if he can quote me for a big project I was undertaking. He replied, “sorry, I’m too busy with other jobs.”
Recently, I asked a friend if she can quote me for some equipment she was selling and I was interested in. Her reply: “Will get back to you. Sorry been so busy.” No more contact since.
I found another contractor for my project, and I bought equipment from another supplier. In both cases, I ended up dealing with strangers.
Some years ago, I struck a conversation with a gentleman who happened to be waiting in line along with me at a bank. He was an insurance salesman but for a few months we didn’t discuss business but just had good conversations. We became good friends. I finally bought property insurance from him. My friend personally delivered the policies, assisted in the paperwork, and even made sure I paid the lowest premium price. In between the business dealings, we kept contact and had our usual friendly conversations.
It is said that friends don’t make good business partners because the conflicts and stress would eventually end any friendship. Does this apply to friends who just want to be customers?
It’s one thing to turn down a friend in business. It’s another when that friend wants to be a customer. Because when it comes down right to it, whether or not a customer is a friend, how we treat our customers reflects how we treat our business.
Friends can be customers and still remain friends if both parties just recognized the value of both friendship and customer service.
Ellery's Essays 