Yes, I’m pissed. As an Internet lawyer (and like any other U.S. entrepreneur), Obamacare is going to cost me at least $15,000 a year for health insurance that’s worse than the coverage I’ve got now. And the easy thing to do would be to assume that everyone involved with this stupid law is evil. To be sure, there are some bad motives at play for some of those involved (power hungry, etc.). But here’s the dirty little secret most of the politicians involved don’t want you to know. They voted for nationalization of health care because they are either dumber than a box of rocks or simply ignorant. Ignorance might be bliss but it typically ends up costing everyone around the ignorant alot of time, effort, and money to clean up the messes made.
Back in the early 1990s, I had the good fortune of working for a wise lawyer who lobbied Capitol Hill on behalf of American entrepreneurs. During the last failed attempt at socializing medicine (Hillarycare), we visited with various politicians and their staffs. What most people don’t realize is that young, inexperienced, and underpaid staff members are often assigned to handle various legislative issues on behalf of the politicians they work for…they do the research and recommend to their bosses how to vote on particular bills.
One day, we met with a legislative assistant who worked for a prominent “moderate” U.S. Senator. We learned that the Senator would be voting for Hillarycare but the reason for the vote was stunning. The legislative assistant had a deadbeat brother living at home and he felt that it was unfair for his parents to foot the bill for this brother’s health insurance. In short, one of a 100 Senate votes on nationalizing health care was based on the fact some parents were enabling their slacker kid to live at home rather than getting a job and paying for his own health insurance.
This is not a unique situation. Votes are cast for dumber reasons. Rarely do they hinge upon the actual short and long-term consequences of the laws.
What’s this got to do with your Internet marketing business?
Every time you deal with an irrational customer, an unreliable business partner, or a supplier that isn’t meeting your expectations, don’t assume that the source of your frustration is intentionally plotting to cause you pain and grief. In most instances, you can pin the cause on ignorance, and the person you’re dealing with is actually doing the best he can based upon the knowledge, intelligence, and common sense that he possesses (or lacks).
This isn’t easy. As someone who has little patience, i.e. Internet lawyer, I can empathize.
What’s the solution?
In online customer relationships, sever the irrational ones a.s.a.p. Refund and move on.
In other Internet business relationships, you’ll want to put your dealings in writing using a contract written in plain English that clearly explains the rights and responsibilities. Your Internet lawyer can help you draft your work-for-hire (independent contractor) agreements, joint venture agreements, and other contracts to protect your legal rights at the same time reducing your frustration and stress of dealing with others.
Let’s make one thing clear. An independent contractor agreement should never be used in your Internet business to disguise an employer-employee relationship. If you get caught doing this with an employee, you could be held liable for payroll taxes and some nasty penalties. Simply not worth the risk.