Just recently my mum passed away and she meant a lot to me, and I have a new client to occupy my mind.
The question I want to know is...
If you have been in my shoes or just curious to know what it would be like in my shoes, Would you tell your new client about how work would progress and let them know of your loss or not at all?
Do you tell your client/s or not. In other word should they know or not?
All suggestions are welcome.
I just want to do the right thing and look after my business.
Answering the direct question though, my view is that it would make the client uncomfortable if you burdened them with issues that were really not theirs.
Also, you are selling a service, not a freindship and at times it is a good idea for clients not to be confused over a demarcation line between the two.
I appreciate that this may be a very difficult time for you and if its too difficult to face the client rearrange meetings saying that you need to see another client rather than be less than 100% for someone who is paying for your services otherwise clients initial sympathy quickly turns to thoughts of replacement especially if its a relatively new client acquisition.
I appreciate that this may come accross as a little cold and logical but I fear that in such situation answers based on emotional supportive responses are not really the best for business.
The busness aside though, we're all freinds on the site and you have our combined support and deepest sympathy in these troubled times,
kindest regards and best wishes,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
I think that isn't too far off a snap in our responses.
As you say though others opinions may differ.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Hi David
Im so sorry to hear your sad news, it must be a hard time for you. I have just one client who I might tell but only because we have worked together for many years and have talked about allsorts over those years. So I would agree with the boys. Dont forget to look after you as well as your business!
x
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Many thanks Bill, Shaun and Joanne. I will refrain from telling my client's my bereavement, and just make out nothing has happened, albeit it is hard at this present time. Thanks again.
Hi David. Sorry to hear about your mum. I lost mine 3 years ago and it knocks you for six. I told a couple of clients but I knew them on a personal level. I would go with the advice already given and allow yourself plenty of time to complete tasks.
In 2013 I lost, over the course of 10 months, 10 assorted close friends, school friends and family members including my Dad. I had a funeral a month to either organise or attend from mid April to early Jan'14. The locations ranged from local (within 10 miles of here) to Western Seaboard in the States. I did not manage to make it to all. Deaths occurred on funeral days. I had to have meetings with various officials as Dad's will was quite complex and his death was very sudden and unexpected.
I launched Crocus 6 weeks before I lost Dad. Two days before he died I visited my first contract, won the previous week.
It was both one of the worst and one of the best years I have had all rolled into one emotional roller-coaster.
The trouble with roller-coasters is trying to get off. I had no choice but to tell clients as the year threw me from high to low and back again because even I was aware I was somewhat erratic at times. By about September, when I must have had about 6 clients on my list, it started becoming a joke - 'Hi, how are you - what's the count this month?' Surprisingly I think it helped.
So I would say it's up to you and depends on the client. Some will want to be aware so they can be flexible for you. Some it's probably better not to say too much.
Above all, stay strong. It only feels like the end of the world, you will get through this.
Thank you for your comments. I know it will be a roller coaster ride, but as they say "that's life", and I will just have to get on with it. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed to relieving some of my agony.
