Always be the first

Always be the first in line to care about getting your invoices paid promptly.?ÿ If some screwy thing happens, you will be the last to know about it, otherwise.

Yesterday's example involved a real estate broker I have known for over 55 years.?ÿ Knew his wife before he did.?ÿ The real estate agent has been a friend for over 35 years.?ÿ I have done three prior surveys for one of the two buyers and his brother is the second buyer.?ÿ I knew the goal was to close prior to December 31.?ÿ Two nights ago the agent dropped an email saying the closing was to be yesterday.?ÿ I was going to be in that town yesterday, so thought I should call to see when the closing was scheduled so I could drop by and pickup my check.?ÿ Made the call and ended up chatting with the broker.?ÿ He says, "Did you send us an invoice?"?ÿ My reply was, "Yes, it was attached to the survey plat I handed you."?ÿ "Let me look", he says.?ÿ "Yep.?ÿ Here it is, by golly.?ÿ I will get that to my closer immediately and have the check for you tomorrow."

Years ago something similar happened on a much bigger invoice where a hospital was the client.?ÿ I expected a check within a week.?ÿ About a month passed and no money had hit my mail box.?ÿ I had delivered the plats and the invoice directly to the CEO of the hospital.?ÿ Once I left he rolled everything up and stuck the roll in a corner of his office as an obstacle had come up that would delay needed the plats for two or more months.?ÿ Same sort of story.?ÿ He had the invoice in his hands yet failed to pass it on to the "right parties" within the hospital to make the payment.?ÿ He was very embarrassed.?ÿ Had three more projects for that hospital and that problem never happened again.