 |
| LA Grafitti |
Business A is a repeat customer of ours. We've been doing business with him for the past 10 or more years. The final result of the project is wonderful. The methods used to get there....not so great.
Business B is Business A's most recent collaborator. Over the years, we've seen Business A work with other collaborators, and, in some cases, have been witness to the rather ugly dissolution of the partnership.
This year was not much different than most. We've had to argue with Business A; negotiate the terms of the contract. Because he's had the ear of the boss of our parent organization, we've allowed him privileges that we normally don't - like breaking certain deposit payments into installments. We've had a difficult time finalizing details, and have had to hound his insurance provider for the correct documents, but in the end, we've managed to stay on top of things. We're only two days away from the unveiling of the project.
The head of Business B just came into my office, looking all serious, and asked to sit down privately. He had a request. Would it be possible, he asked, to change the name on the contract from Business A to Business B?
I could tell he was geared up to explain and plead, and provide all kinds of justification for what he considered a rather startling request.
I think he was a little surprised when I said, "Sure, we can do that. Here's what I need from you...." And I provided him with some sample documentation.
You see, Business A has done this before. Oh, yes, and much more than this. We've been involved in so many complications of his. Hiding from process servers. Insufficient payments. Once, we had to collect on a past-due bill after he stiffed the Police Department. We've already learned to accept only cashiers' checks from him. Wonder what it is this time?
The one good thing about my job going away is that I'll never have to deal with this guy again!
Sheesh. Is it just me, or am I not alone in wondering if there is a connection between businessman A's behavior, the boss of your organization, and the need to downsize your department?
ReplyDeleteIn general, we prefer to work with Business B instead of with Business A, so it's usually a "win-win" when this happens.
ReplyDeleteIn my time as a commercial real estate underwriter, I found that "Business A" behavior was typical.
ReplyDelete~
That graffiti says it all.
ReplyDeleteIt has surpised me whenever you discuss work stuff here. Most employees are not allowed to discuss clients or internal affars outside of the office or at least it is frowned upon. Seems weird and unethical to me. Not that I think you mean to be unethical or anything but where is my thinking awry? Am I just too old-fashioned, too cautious, or just an old stick-in-the-mud?
ReplyDeleteSheila
Sheila is right to point out the perils of posting about work. Work is a big part of most of our lives, and sometimes it really shapes our moods and feelings.
ReplyDeleteI only post about work when something really emotionally crazy has happened and I need to vent. I try to walk a careful line and keep identifying details out of the post. Perhaps that's still too risky?
Even so, in less than six months it will be a moot point, for me.
Do you know that the graffiti is the image of a character named Meatwad?
ReplyDelete