Don't expect a "thank you"

We all know that the literary industry is saturated with people that are driven by their own egos and nothing more.  We know that with some people, authors in particular, the conversation will come to a dead halt the moment that you mention a topic that doesn't revolve around their work.

That is a given.

And depending on what services that you provide, you may receive nothing in return once they are given.  That may leave you with bitter feelings wondering why you provided the service in the first place.  It makes it even worse when you were supposed to be paid for those services and didn't get a dime.

I've adopted the attitude of "lessons learned" when it comes to business dealings.  If you burn me once, shame on me for putting trust where trust wasn't truly earned.  But hopefully, that is what will make you a better business person.  You know that you can never do business with that individual or business again.

But what about the times when you do things for free, and the person doesn't even give you so much as a thank you?  You would think that advice, mentions on websites or promotions on various media outlets would be appreciated.  But what you find is that many times, it isn't... that indeed, many people will seek you out just to get what they want and then keep it moving!

I have a news flash for you!  Don't expect the thank you!  If you do something for someone else, realize who you're dealing with.  Understand that they may not be equipped to be appreciative of what you are doing for them.  And if they do express their appreciation, that's just icing on the cake.

And with that being said, the next time that they approach you for anything...tell them, "I'm sorry, I can't do that for you at this time." Or, you can tell them, "Sure, no problem."  Because you know at the end of the day that they place value on what you've done for them.

~ J.L. Whitehead