Do You Value Other People’s Time?

This past week I took my car to a service center that I have been taking my cars to for the past decade.  I didn’t have an appointment and expected to wait until they could look at my car.  While waiting, a woman pulled in the parking lot with her 11yr old car.  She walked to the service desk and immediately started talking in a demanding tone, even though she had never stepped foot in their shop.

She began complaining about the dealership repair shop she just left:  Paying $75 for the dealership repair shop to perform a diagnostic, the dealership repair shop estimate was too high, and she wanted this repair shop to give her a lower price quote just by looking at the estimate by the repair shop.  I observed the discussion she had with the service rep:  After she would ask a question, she wouldn’t let the person helping her finish a sentence and didn’t want to pay for another diagnostic to make sure that the other repair shop was accurate in their assessment.  She ended up taking up over an hour of their time and left without having any repairs completed.

From time to time, I find myself with a similar mindset as that woman; failing to remember that when other people spend time giving me information or diagnosing something for me, they provide value to me.  I am so wrapped up in my own situation, I don’t consider that I am talking with someone who is trying to help me.  I find this happens to organizations in nearly every industry.

So why do we think that individuals and small businesses should take time helping us but don’t think that it is fair for them to be compensated for their time or expertise?  Below I have listed my top 6 reasons/excuses:

1. Ignorance.  Sometimes we expect a service at no cost because we think we are already paying for it.  Unless you are 100% sure that the service you are paying for includes the work you want done, approach the organization with a inquiring attitude, not one of expectation.
2. We already are paying them for some other service.  Just because you are paying an organization for one service, don’t expect them to give you a discount/freebie on other services they offer.  If they are providing a service you are happy with, give them more business because of it, not because you expect a discount or freebie.
3. We’re Christians and Christians help each other.  I agree that Christians should have a giving and helpful attitude but it is for the person providing the service to determine whether or not they want to provide the service free or at a discount, not the person receiving the service.
4. We’re a church or private school and are struggling financially, so I am only doing what I need to do to help my organization be fiscally responsible.  If you are part of ministry (church, school, other ministry) that is struggling, is it the fault of those who provide services to you that you are in financial distress?  Don’t ask them to put their organization in a similar financial situation just because yours is.
5. I am an individual, they are a company, they can afford it.  Remember that small companies are simply a group of individuals trying to earn a living while providing a product or service.  Asking them to take a hit on their bottom line will often result in individuals taking a hit on their ability to pay their own bills.
6. I’m selfish.  Although most people won’t admit it, most of the time, it comes down to a matter of being selfish.  Wanting what is better for me over what is better for someone else is a condition of the heart.  Follow Christ’s example: Put others first and be generous.

So how does this apply to your organizations’ website?  Although it can apply to your website provider, being generous applies to other involved with your website.  Be generous to the volunteers/staff that may help you maintain and update your website?  If they are not financially compensated, show your appreciation through small gifts or notes.  If you are a church or school that has volunteers, offer a “night out” once or twice a year where the volunteers can drop off their kids and can go out with their spouse or friends.

What are your thoughts on the topic?  I would love to hear your feedback, so please post your comment below.

Mark Steinbrueck

President at OurChurch.Com

Mark has served as the President of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, leading the Custom Website and Sales departments with dedication and expertise.

Over the years, he has managed hundreds of custom website, graphic design, and marketing projects for churches, non-profits, businesses, and schools.

Beyond his professional work, Mark is deeply committed to serving his community. He coordinates and packs over 700 meals each week for children through One Community Now’s Pack A Sack for Kids program, volunteers in the Children’s Ministry at Generations Christian Church, and participates in a weekly Bible study.