This is where being self-employed and the blurred line between you as an individual and you as a business often makes things harder.
A red letter from the gas company makes you jump up and pay, and you can guarantee the gas company don't care about you as an individual, you're just an anonymous line item on their books to chase. You used their gas, your payment is due. Black and white (and red).
Yet, when you're asking for your invoice to be paid by your client - it can often feel like you're a modern-day Oliver Twist, cap in hand, asking "please sir, may I have some more?"
Emily Coltman, chief accountant at FreeAgent, told me she understands the difficulties between personal and professional when you are your business:
"It's difficult to keep yourself and your business separate when customers argue with you and say they don't like what you're doing or what you've done, and refuse to pay your bills or demand a discount." Emily has lots of great advice for us later too.
But you're not asking for charity, or even asking for a second helping of cold porridge.
No. You're Gordon Ramsey! You've just served up a Michelin starred meal, the clients have eaten, are well-fed, smiles on their faces, crumbs in their lap, and this is where you hand them the bill and say, and in the immortal words of fellow self-employee Jerry Macguire: Show me the money!
They asked you to deliver a service, which you've done.
You are legally and morally entitled to be paid on time.
It's that simple.
If you've delivered the work you've promised, you are legally and morally entitled to be paid on time. No excuses.
