You’ve no doubt been warned about the perils of doing business with friends and family. However, when the perfect person for the project happens to be in your inner circle, it’s important to keep an open mind about hiring. By taking some precautions you can maximize the benefit of knowing skilled folk and avoid damaging relationships.
When we were in the early stages of starting CoCo & Co, a mobile business selling fresh coconuts and coconut products (launching in early May), we decided to design and build most of our equipment. Our community rallied around to support us and our qualified friends offered their services. Our carts, tools, website,and packaging were all designed by leaders in their respective fields, who also happen to be friends or family. In some cases it worked out well and in others it cost us significant time, money and heartache.
Here are some tips based on lessons we learned to help you make the decision when your friends come calling.
Gauge professionalism and commitment
You have already determined that they’re perfectly skilled for what you need, but are they going to commit fully and deliver on time? Will your project get pushed to the lowest priority if higher paying or more assertive clients come along? It?s possible that you have seen the way they work with others. If you are treated informally or to a lesser standard, back away quickly and politely.
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