So I don't want this to come off like whining, but I've noticed something about doing business the way I do.

And that "way" is to be very generous with my time, expertise and resources. I do it before I gain a client, and I do it after I gain a client. I'm reluctant to bill for ephemeral things like phone calls and email help. I give lots of advice, counsel and direction without billing. In fact I freely dispense advice even if it loses me business--if it's in the best interest of the client. I typically price my "get started" services within reach of most anyone. I follow up, verify, and support most of the above for free.

I believe firmly (still) that giving is the best formula for receiving.

The idea of course is that I gain the trust of my clients and prospects, that they recognize the kind of business I run, and that they continue to give me their business. And most of the time it works. It makes what I do rewarding, it makes my services valuable to my clients. Win-win.

Periodically however, I get stung. And I guess because I take such a personal interest in helping people, it hurts my feelings.

That sounds sissy I know. But it's the only way I can find to describe that feeling I get after a sometimes particularly long investment ends with a punch in the stomach.

In the last few months, I've had 2 businesses, for whom I've graciously given much of myself (latest one - about 2 years worth), administer the stomach punch. And I have to say that it's quite an unpleasant feeling. And for a split second I reconsider my generosity = success approach.

Only for a split second however.

   People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
      Love them anyway.
   If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
     Do good anyway.
   If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
      Succeed anyway.
   The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
     Do good anyway.
   Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
      Be honest and frank anyway.
   The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
     Think big anyway.
   People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
      Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
   What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
     Build anyway.
   People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
      Help people anyway.
  Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
      Give the world the best you have anyway.

-Kent M. Keith