Protect your clients and save yourself

When in business one lays down some ground rules. One makes sure to have a safe environment to work in, both physically and emotionally. The world is full of lawyers and rules, some rules which make little sense today because they are historical relics while others invite ridicule.

When working with customers one tends to think about what could go wrong, usually from both points of view, yours and theirs. This looking out for the next person or the pitfalls which may never occur has a basis found in many places in the Torah and this week's parsha is just one example.

In 22:8 we see this:

8. When you build a new house, you shall make a guard rail for your roof, so that you shall not cause blood [to be spilled] in your house, that the one who falls should fall from it [the roof].

ח. כִּי תִבְנֶה בַּיִת חָדָשׁ וְעָשִׂיתָ מַעֲקֶה לְגַגֶּךָ וְלֹא תָשִׂים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ כִּי יִפֹּל הַנֹּפֵל מִמֶּנּוּ:

Moshe told the people about this law...and they have been wandering in the desert for 40 years and had no roofs yet. A great example of why it says "when you will build a new house" that it is forward thinking. Hashem was looking out for people, on your behalf.

Since we know everything in life has a purpose, even though we do not comprehend it at the time, what are we learning from this. One explanation is that Hashem did not want us to be the downfall of someone else through his means. If you were destined to die, it would not be helpful to your friends or anyone that you die on their land. Adding extra protection to something that seems out of the ordinary would save even one life, and your own reputation, makes it worth it. 

When we look at everything our client is trying to do, we aim to not just complete our project but along the way safe guard them a little bit ore where possible because that little bit extra can go along way in saving someone's life or reputation later.

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Parsha Ki Teitzei in the book of Devarim, Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 It is said that the Torah or Bible
could be interpreted in over 70 ways. More likely these days 100's of ways. In light of this idea, I am writing some posts that bring a business sense to what we can learn on a weekly basis. Enjoy, Shabbat Shalom

Your Word is Your Honor

We live in a consulting/advisory world. My words to clients, within my power of ability, is sacrosanct.

I don't lie to them nor do I promise what I can not in good faith deliver. Many times delays occur, as this past week with the storm called Isaac, some projects and efforts were delayed.

When you go out to visit your customers, if you are in sales, do you feel the need to say yes to anything and everything the customer asks, wants or thinks about? Hopefully not, but if you do, here is something to think about.

23:24 says: Observe and do what is emitted from your lips just as you have pledged to the Lord, your God, as a donation, which you have spoken with your mouth.

כד. מוֹצָא שְׂפָתֶיךָ תִּשְׁמֹר וְעָשִׂיתָ כַּאֲשֶׁר נָדַרְתָּ לַי־הֹוָ־ה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נְדָבָה אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ בְּפִיךָ:

This is talking about donations, not tzedaka or charity pledges. A nidava in Hebrew is similar to a swearing to do something. As in, I swear to bring a sacrifice. But I have been in many meetings where, especially sales people, will swear to the client everything they want will be done or is in the product.

Your customer is just as important as a promise you make to God and in some ways for you possibly even more so. Think about this the next time you get into the same situation. Your clients may not be as forgiving as God is to to us.
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Parsha Ki Teitzei in the book of Devarim, Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 It is said that the Torah or Bible
could be interpreted in over 70 ways. More likely these days 100's of ways. In light of this idea, I am writing some posts that bring a business sense to what we can learn on a weekly basis. Enjoy, Shabbat Shalom