Do You Take Precautions?
August 29, 2008
Do you take special precautions to ensure that certain aspects of your business and life run smoothly?
In this article, Urban Panther explains why she’s so careful about not letting the gas run too low in her car. She’s really safeguarding herself against potential disaster.
I must admit, I’m pretty careless about letting my gas/petrol run on the orange light but Urban Panther’s reasoning has made me think.
Also, in this post – Kelly at She-Power explains a potentially dangerous position she put herself in, when she helped a stranger. She asks whether we are making ourselves vulnerable by being too kind. Her chilling article kept me up all night. Are we really thinking clearly when we agree to help strangers out, or are we putting ourselves at risk?
I must admit, I often help others without thinking of the potential consequences and this could be risky both online and off.
What precautions do you take to protect your business or life? Are there times when you’ve put yourself at risk, without stopping to think about the potential consequences?
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My husband and I spend a great deal on insurance premiums each month. They are meant to protect my kids in case of any fatal eventuality.
At Kelly in She-Power, I also shared about how my husband helped out a drunk stranger one week ago. Although it feels great to help another in need, I do not deny that I was somewhat terrified while sitting in the car with someone unknown that night.
I’ve been offering free consulting services to my friends who are having problems in their lives. We meet on a 1:1 basis. By the end of some of the sessions, I could sense a wave of negative energy from them. Their emotions and issues can get me down too. But I choose to continue these services anyway. I’d do other things to help counteract these emotions than not help them.
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map’s last blog post..68 Seconds Of Pure Thought: Visualize In 4 Creative Ways
I tend to be trusting of people, but after being burned too many times I always hope for the best but expect the worst.
Al at 7P’s last blog post..The Criminally-Minded Approach for Achieving Goals
I do take precautions. I told Kelly: I am careful and suspicious. Maybe it’s my nature, maybe it’s working as an attorney for a few years. I don’t know. Sometimes I feel that I am too suspicious and too quick to assume the worst.
Vered’s last blog post..Would You Eat Spicy Chocolate?
Hi Catherine,
In business, we take precautions in the form of a well written contract that protects us and our rights.
In life, I’m a helpful and trusting person. Although I have been burned, I usually give someone the benefit of the doubt, unless they give me a reason not to. If I’m traveling alone, I take more precautions than if I’m with others.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Self Promotion – From The Archives
Hi Evelyn – Insurance is one good way to protect yourself and those you love isn’t it?
I don’t blame you for being scared in the car. I think anyone would feel uncomfortable giving a stranger a lift at night and if they’re drunk or on drugs, it would be even worse.
Counselling people with problems can be draining can’t it? But if your desire to help them is greater and it benefits them, I guess it’s worth it.
Hi Al – That sounds like quite a wise way to be. It’s very difficult not to be on your guard when you’ve been burned isn’t it?
Hi Vered – I guess it’s only natural to want to protect yourself. And as Kelly said – it’s not always smart to put yourself at risk.
I have to ask – did working as an attorney make you suspicious because of dodgy clients – or was it the other attorneys? Sorry – I can’t resist wanting to know – I guess I’ve read and seen so many John Grisham type stuff.
Hi Barbara – contracts are so important aren’t they? All business owners should put them in place before they even start trading, as it’s all too easy to forget when you become busy.
Like you, I’ve been burned a lot. But it’s difficult not to trust people isn’t it, because you want to believe the best in people.
Hey Cath
Thanks for the link, though my situation really shouldn’t keep you up at night. As I said in my comment section I never felt in any danger and with distance and time to think about it, I would completely do the same thing again. if you can’t help a teenage girl who’s been assaulted and is scared silly then who can you help? I think that my mention of the girl being on drugs makes me people think I let a crack head into my car, but that really wasn’t the case. She was a normal and very pretty 18 or 19 year old who obviously had real problems, but was not a danger to anyone but herself. And I did have a 6 foot 4 husband due any second.
I think it’s good to learn from situations that challenge us though. I have decided that my open nature needs a bit more sensibility and care now that I am a mother. From now on if I have to stop the car at night, even for a minute, I will be locking the car doors. And if this same situation happened again I would tell the girl to wait outside until my hubby arrived, then I could drive her home.
I do think we have to decide on our own values and cultivate a sixth sense in life so we can make the right decisions for us. I do have good instincts for people and situations and when I trust them everything usually works out well. I also believe in helping others and so it is important that I be smart, but not let fear dictate how I live my life. I want my son to grow up having empathy, strength and a willingness to stick his neck out for what is right. Therefore I have to show him that example. Luckily his dad and I are in agreement with this.
Trust yourself Cath. There’s no need to worry about what may be out there. Listen to your heart about people and situations and set firm boundaries about what is acceptable and you’ll be fine.
Kelly
Kelly@SHE-POWER’s last blog post..When Kindness Becomes Stupidity
Thought? Precautions? That sounds a lot like looking before leaping and I’m really not good at that.
I’ve had to mentally stick up all over the house signs that say “Stop. Think.” to slow me down before I jump into doing things.
I try not to be recklessly stupid, but I am definitely super trusting – sometimes too much so.
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..Are You a Pooh-Bear? Full Text Answers
Hi Kelly – I do think you did the right thing. And I guess I would have done what you did too.
But when I read things – my imagination runs away with me sometimes.
I think you’re right – trusting your instinct is really important. If she’d been dodgy, I think you’d have been able to sense it. Really – it’s a good thing she asked you for a lift as she obviously wasn’t safe wandering around on her own.
Hi Alex – So I take it you’re not as cautious as your sister then?
Being super trusting can be dangerous sometimes I guess. I used to be like that – but I got burned too many times.
@Cath
I never let the gas run low, but I tend to dive in a whole bunch of other things without taking precautions…
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..Are You a Pooh-Bear? Full Text Answers
Hi Cath. My comment is similar to Barbara’s. I am in the process of developing contracts for my business.
And in my personal life I am pretty trusting, but if my gut tells me something different, my guard goes up immediately and it’s pretty hard to get it back down again.
Davina’s last blog post..Does Misery Really Love Company?
I do take some precautions in life.
When I’m doing a presentation, I’ll always check ahead of time if the projector works, and I’ll make sure I have notes – even if I’m not going to use them – just in case.
I keep two backups of important files on my computer. One on an external hard drive, and another on an online file backup service.
When I coach soccer, I write out a schedule of who I will have play where. Even though I rarely look at it during the game. Again, just in case.
None of these are to help with life-threatening situations, but I do do them to ensure things run smoothly in my life.
Lance’s last blog post..Dreams For Our World
Hi Davina – Good for you – contracts are essential.
It is good that untrustworthy people can’t pull your guard down again. I’m going to be more like that from now on. I’m always giving folk the benefit of the doubt and another chance – then another. But not anymore – I’ve found that easier since my soul reading with Akemi.
Hi Lance I have to say – computer back ups are a really smart idea. I’ve lost loads of stuff through not backing up. And don’t whatever you do leave your laptop on top of your bed, switched on and go out for the day. The heat from the duvet caused mine to burn and die.
This is a big one for Realtors (and us investors).
We’ve sold a few houses and I typically sell For Sale By-Owner because it’s quicker and I can offer my buyers more options.
I always am a little worried inviting in strangers to view a house. Imagine Realtors? They meet strangers all the time, meet sellers in bad parts of town, drive all around with them, etc.
Some precautions we take:
- Never let my wife show a house on her own
- Set a scheduled time to meet with people, if they show up at a bad time, too bad. I’ll lose a sale and be safe.
Like Al, I tend to be trusting. Sometimes that’s my downfall. I think everyone has the kind of morals I have sometimes, and they don’t.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Securing Your WordPress Blog: Post 4 – Setting Up .htaccess
We must always take precautions in business. Until you really know that person, you don’t know their motivations, background, desires, etc. Even then, good friends have differences and one must make sure you take precautions in case you part ways in business.
Kurt Henninger’s last blog post..Websites for your network marketing opportunity
Biggest precaution I always need to take: keeping my mouth shut. I have a danger of putting my foot in my mouth and usually do. Gets me in trouble every time.
Amy Derby’s last blog post..What’s Your Dream Gig?
@ Amy – that’s funny. I have a similar problem. I often want to voice my opinion when I really don’t need to.
John Hoff – eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Securing Your WordPress Blog: Post 4 – Setting Up .htaccess
I used to be a big believer in contracts in business to protect myself. But I changed my mind.
Contracts with clients in a relationship that is built on trust can become a barrier.
Last year we gave clients the ability to cancel them at any time. Many told us we were stupid. But in reality the opposite happened. it helped gain more clients.
And if you think about it, “friendly” contracts weighted in favour of the client are something to consider. After all, why tie someone into a relationship for the remainder of a contract if the relationship has soured?
It’s easier to part company amicably than fight together quoting terms and conditions. And who wants the negativity of such a situation?
In reality, It has strengthened relationships. I realise it may give a business some financial comfort that they clients tied-in. But think about it.
It motivates us to keep clients happy. And they know it. Should they wish to they can threaten us with a cancellation! And that will spring us into action if it happens.
Being frank though, we have lost a small number of customers, but in reality, they were the problem customers who would never be happy regardless of who they used.
Ian Denny’s last blog post..Turning Enquiries Into Sales
Hi Cath. I think precautions are necessary, but they can also be taken too far. I find myself taking too many precautions especially when traveling somewhere – whether that’s vacation, visiting the family or just a hike. I think “what if this happens or that happens? – weather, car breaks down, etc.” and before you know it I pack everything and the kitchen sink. I’ve got to figure out how to stop that. Any ideas?
Along the insurance line, it is very important to have insurance. We have protected ourselves in most areas, but there’s one or two more that I know would be good to add. However, you can get insurance for everything. You just have to decide what is really needed and where you may be throwing your money away.
My husband is precautious (or skeptic) about ANYBODY trying to sell anything, so he does a good job of protecting us by not buying into anything unnecessary.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Change Your Life – One Thought at a Time – Part 3
I am probably more cautious in business than in my personal life. In business, I have learned to ask a lot of questions. And I get it in writing, so there’s no case misundersandings. I also play my cards close to my chest when developing an idea.
In my personal life, I tend to trust that people are good and well intentioned. In the past, however, I was devastated if someone proved me wrong, and they weren’t so nice. Now, I simply move on.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Cut and run
I tend to be more of a ready, fire, aim kind of guy. I believe in the good of my fellow man and have only been occasionally burned. As far as insurance goes it’s quite the racket. It’s mainly based on how much you fear the probability of what you’re insuring for. If you fear it the cost of the premiums can be worth it for the peace of mind.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Time to Walk Away?
i will go check out that post on helping people. it’s just human nature, mine away, to want to help people. it’s horrible when it ends up hurting you.
i probably do trust people (and want to) a lot more than I should. its a shame when you have to wonder if this person going to kill me. the world is depressing most times.
Natural’s last blog post..Here’s To You?and Me
I’m very cautious when it comes to the safety of my family but I take unnecessary risks when it comes to my career and my business ventures.
chris’s last blog post..The Perfect Storm
I’ve done a lot of things in life that looking back I have to think: “Thank goodness nothing bad happened.” But I think that as people grow older they become more cautious. Unfortunately, I’ve had some pretty bad experiences with a few people, but I’ve also had the privilege to meet some very generous and good people. I think it all comes down to following your instincts and your intuition.
Marelisa’s last blog post..How to Create a Swipe File to Jump Start Your Creativity
Reading some of these comments has made me realise I am actually quite cautious in business dealings. My dad was self employed a lot when I was a kid and was ripped off and has been taken advantage of by a family member even. And my hubby has had some disappointments and financial trouble with partners leaving him in the lurch. So add that to many years in business and marketing and I tend to see money as a major corrupting influence with people’s values.
End result – I trust individuals in personal situations probably 10 times as much as I trust them in business situations. But I haven’t actually thought about that until now.
Kelly
Kelly@SHE-POWER’s last blog post..A Weekend Funny: My Living Will
Hi John – That is so important. In the UK, quite a few years ago, a female estate agent went missing and was never found and another was kidnapped.
As you say – you just never know who you might be meeting, so it’s wise to be cautious.
Hi Rita – that is a really good point, if someone is in a life or death situation, most people would just jump in and help without doing some sort of risk assessment.
I don’t know if you read this story, but in the UK now, we have these community police officers, who get less training and pay then the regular police. Would you believe – two of them stood and watched
a ten year old boy drown in a pond because they said they weren’t trained to rescue people? Appalling isn’t it? Here’s a link to one of the news stories on it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7006412.stm
Hi Kurt – That’s a great point. Like you say – even good friends who go into business together need to be cautious. I’ve heard many sad stories of friends who fall out in that sort of situation.
Hi Amy and John – It’s difficult some days not to offend anyone isn’t it? I am also guilty of the foot in mouth thing. I think no matter how cautious you are, there’s always someone who won’t like what you’ve said.
Hi Ian – that is a really good point. If you have a contract that’s tying a client in with you for a certain period of time, they can become resentful. And as you said, you want folk to do business with you because they like doing so, not because they’re forced to stay because of the terms of a contract. I think you made a smart move.
Hi Jennifer – so you’re a travel over planner. It’s easy to get carried away when you’re advance planning isn’t it?
I know what you mean about insurance. I think it’s a case of finding policies that cover you for a lot of extras and being careful not to buy one of these smaller policies that cover you for stuff you don’t need.
Hi UP – you are smart to be cautious. I don’t think you can ever get too many things put into writing in business can you? Ditto on the ideas – I’m like you with keeping things close to my chest until they’re developed.
Hi Tom – that’s a really good point. Insurance sellers almost always use a customer’s fear to make sales. But as you said, it’s a racket. There’s some insurances you really don’t need at all. I’ve seen ones where you get insured incase you get cancer etc. But if I wanted to insure my health or life – I’d wanted to be insured against any eventuality – not just a few diseases.
Hi Valerie – it is a depressing thought isn’t it, having to think, I wonder if this stranger will try to kill me if I stop to help them? I think you’ll like Kelly’s article.
Hi Rita – those are good points. I should imagine it’s important for teachers to have a basic set of rules in the classroom. It’s tough enough looking after our own kids – but looking after a classroom full must be a huge responsibility.
Hi Chris – I noticed you’ve been writing about the consequences of taking unnecessary risk in business quite a lot recently. But it looks like you’ve learned a lot from your mistakes and know how to protect yourself better in the future.
Hi Mare – instincts are really important aren’t they? I wonder why it is that people become more cautious as they get older? Is it because they’ve learned more through experience, or because they’ve been burned too many times.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Do You Take Precautions?
Hi Kelly – No wonder you’re cautious. It’s weird how business corrupts people’s values in business isn’t it.? I’ve met a lot of folk who claim that cheating and lying in business – is just business. But I think that’s just a poor excuse.
Hey – I’m glad I came back to this thread, or else I wouldn’t have noticed that my own reply to everyone else has gone into moderation!
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Do You Take Precautions?
I’ve had my share of, “Thank goodness that turned out okay” moments. Most of them were before I had a cell phone, though.
In business, due diligence is the byword. If someone gives me the feeling they’re only looking out for themselves, that’s when I get very cautious.
Sara at On Simplicity’s last blog post..Three Things You’d Save in an Emergency
Hi Rita – People getting shot in the back and the police refusing to go to particular areas is despicable. Would love to hear about the hats from the lady you mentioned, if she doesn’t mind.
Hi Sara – Cell phones – even though they are annoying, do make you feel safer sometimes don’t they.
Re – people looking out for themselves – definitely be careful. There’s way too many of them about. In fact, I am just writing a post on something like that.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Do You Take Precautions?
I became more cautious with my personal life after becoming a husband and father – I’ve always been fairly cautious in my professional life.
Having said that, though, I must admit that I do tend to be less vigilant when it’s just me in a personal situation.
Mark Dykeman’s last blog post..Social media magicians give away their best tricks
Hi Mark – I guess that bringing other folk close to you into the equation makes you more vigilant doesn’t it? I’m certainly more cautious since I had kids.
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