Today, I learned that I have a new review on Yelp. I was floored at first! One of my wonderful clients decided to tell the world about my services and, essentially, help with my business development. But then I opened the review and saw that I received 3 out of 5 stars. 3 OUT OF 5! I was devastated. My heart beating fast, I started reading the review. Although, according to Yelp, 3 stars is "A-Ok", in my book, that's failure. So who have I wronged?
I read the review, and then read it again. It was by a prospective client, or a former prospective client, if that makes sense. Someone who met me once and, frankly, didn't like me. Besides learning from the review that my photography quality is "decent" [gasp], I was also mortified to find out that I have an "aggressive approach," that I am "negative overall," and that I "talk bad" about other photographers.
I am still walking around, feeling like I'd been slapped. Needless to say, I don't agree with the review, and yes, I know, I need thicker (much thicker) skin. But that's not why I decided to blog about this. It got me thinking about all the judging that we do as a society and about how it hurts people. I am as guilty of it as anyone. And especially if you believe in karma and in our ability to affect the cosmos by the kind of energies that we put out [those of you rolling your eyes, I can feel it; don't judge], it almost doesn't matter, whether you (more kindly) judge someone behind their back or (in the spirit of Yelp) do it (anonymously) to their face.
So here are my take-aways from today's experience:
(1) Be kinder to others. Don't make negative snap judgments, and certainly don't share those snap judgments. They could hurt someone [I'm still sniffling a little bit] and create more bad energy in the universe.
(2) In meetings with clients, or prospective clients, don't assume people want my advice, even my best-meaning best-intentioned advice. Wait for them to ask for it.
And lastly...
(3) Remember that not everyone has to like me or get me. [Sigh.] My clients, they really get me. Maybe they don't go on Yelp and rave to the world about me first chance they get, but I think they get me. They understand that I am not aggressive--I am enthusiastic, and that I am not critical--I am protective and helpful. And they certainly, most certainly, get that it's all but indecent to categorize my photography as merely "decent". :)
Thank you, Krittle C. (though I realize you are not a fan and don't read my blog), for the lessons you taught me with your review!
Until next time!
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