IN FAIRNESS

If you're fortunate enough to have capable, efficient people to call upon when there's a job to be done, recognize it, and stop making them feel as if they are forever proving themselves, paying dues, or competing for the job. If those capable, efficient people happen to be friends, act as if you care about the friendship, or don't be surprised when your calls go unanswered. Instead of being hurt and puzzled, consider that, though YOU may think you were trying to hook them up, their "No" or failure to respond is their way of rescuing themselves from a hanging. People don't like being jerked around ONCE, let alone repeatedly.

When you seek out person A, and they consent to do the job, do YOURSELF a favor and show them the same respect and consideration as you would have shown Person B--whose price was too high--or who is hip to your attitude and poor business practices, and refuses to work with or for you EVER again. It's amazing how person A is suddenly "not all that" after they inform you they will no longer be doing freebies or favors.

When economics or padding your own pockets is your real motivation, say that. Ever notice that people who are constantly leading the rallying cry for volunteers and low paid workers, are earning a regular pay check? The true spirit of service and volunteerism is one thing. Trying to convince people they should be anxious and grateful for being devalued and disrespected while you profit, is another.

I've said it before and will continue to say that the easiest ways to lose a friend are to:
1. treat their livelihood as if it is your hobby,
2.behave as if you own their gifts and talents,
3. make demands of them, receive a service, and then, when it's time to pay up, act as if they did no work at all.
Embrace a little integrity, doggone-it. Stop being shady, and treat people the way you want/expect to be treated. Don't expect others to be happy or content with what YOU wouldn't accept for YOUR own time and effort. If you place little or no value on the work of others, it stands to reason they will not be thrilled when you call--no matter WHAT the opportunity may be. If it's true that others would kill for the opportunity you want to provide, then, seek out those desperate others, practice your con game on THEM and leave your friends alone.

People who expect something for nothing are exhausting, and their deceptive, manipulative rhetoric gets old and tired very quickly. Stop saying you can't compensate people, or wish you could compensate them, and tell the truth--you don't want to, or you want to keep a bigger piece of the pie for yourself. Just stop it. Slavery is over.