One of the worst things that can happen to you in your VA business is having to wait for someone to pay you.

There really isn’t a good way to describe it. I hope you don’t mind!

It causes you stress, worry, anger, discomfort, and a host of other emotions.

You might even be ashamed of it. How could you let it happen? Particularly if the client hasn’t paid you for a few months and you’re still doing their job.

Let me tell you something, many of us have been there.

I know what I have

I have chased the money and continued to work as the balance due increased. Yuck. What a horrible feeling!

So what do you do about it?

You have to stop it.

It’s as simple (and as complicated) as that.

When you allow a client to delay payment for work that has already been done, you are teaching them that it is okay for them to treat you this way.

When you continue to do chores for them even though they haven’t paid you the previous month, you’re telling them it’s okay to do it.

Although in your heart and in your head you know that it is NOT.

So unfortunately you have to stop it. Like now.

If a client owes you money, stop working for them until the outstanding balance is paid. Tell them not to work any more until they pay you.

If a client consistently pays you late every month, then you have to find a way to have a conversation with them so that they pay you on time, when you expect it (what are your payment terms? Mine are ‘on receipt’, not 14 days later!)

Doing this requires a phone call with the customer. A simple payment reminder can be sent via email, but when that happens, it’s time to get on the phone.

Set up a time to call them (or just call them if that’s easier for you) and let them know your terms.

If they explain that they don’t have the money, stop working immediately. You are not in business to finance your business.

Also consider having your clients pay up front to work with you (on hold, or just a block of hours that they then use as needed, whatever works for you).

Even McDonald’s makes you pay for your Big Mac before giving it to you. This is not a foreign business concept.

To run a successful business, you have to act like the CEO, and that means holding your customers to the terms of their agreements. Pay for work. That is the deal.

So… take a deep breath and make the decision now to put your business first. Contact the customer and get your money.

And then KEEP those limits for every new customer you bring in (as well as existing ones)…and you’ll be a much happier (and richer!) business owner.