A friend referred a client to me for my free-lance writing/editing business. After I took the assignment and then delivered it, it seemed as though this new client was one of those who wanted my services but didnt want to pay.

Weeks went by and I just wrote it off. But then she called me and wanted me to do some more work for her. I was still resentful about the non-payment, so our conversation unfortunately devolved into a shouting match.

As we yelled at each other, I finally realized this whole thing wasnt right. So in the middle of flying invective, I tried to collect my thoughts.

Was I merely in business to provide a particular service? Was the only important result the paycheck? In my heart, I didnt think so. I knew good business practices include building good relationships, based on respect and professionalism.

I realized that it was frankly a bad business tactic to indulge in thinking poorly of my clients. I had to see *everyone* as a child of light, as a creation of Spirit, not just those who behaved as I thought they should.

This stems from the spiritual discipline I try to follow. I study Christian Science, and it teaches that each one of us is the loved creation of the One Altogether Lovelythe divine Father-Mother. I couldnt get away with thinking of this client in any other way than as a beloved sister of the same Parent.

This slight change in perspective on my part brought the instant insight that she had a point of view, too. Maybe I wasnt handling this situation as well as I could have.

So, in mid-yell, the light dawned. I changed from thinking of her as someone who tried to cheat me to thinking of her as honest businessperson just doing her best.

As I opened my thought to seeing her in a new way (all this happened in a flash), I suddenly had the words to say. I apologized and expressed my earnest desire to make her a happy client. I agreed to do the additional work for her.

This just felt better. We got off the phone, and I finished the project. I think I did a pretty good job for her after all. And now there was peace where there had been resentment. (She did indeed send payment for the work completed.)

I learned a lesson that dayya gotta love your clients. Actually love them. Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health (a book I study frequently): Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action (p. 454).

If I expect to make it as an entrepreneur, I have to love those clients. I have to love their businesses, love the idea of helping them succeed, love making their prosperity an absolute priority. And you know, theyll feel the love. Theyll love working with meand hey, then theyll pay me.

So Ive made love a part of my business plan. And receipts are up.