“Wasp Man” is scheduled to arrive this afternoon between 1 and 4 pm.
I know, I know, I’m as disappointed as you are since it’s highly unlikely that he will have wings, make a constant buzzing sound, and arrive in an insect-shaped sports car.
No, sadly, this Wasp Man is not a superhero. Rather, he is a pest control professional who has been tasked with removing the growing population of actual wasps at our house.
Am I happy that he is coming today? Sort of.
I’d rather not spend the money and I’ve gotten rid of wasp nests in the past myself by standing about 900 feet back and spraying them.
But this nest is hidden somewhere beneath our back steps, making access difficult and potentially dangerous. Plus, my wife, Linda, has refused to tackle this problem, despite my offer to support her by hiding inside the house (women, huh?).
So we have called in an expert.
Experts Are Worth the Money
When it comes to running my business, I am also slow to hire other people.
I prefer to work alone, I like knowing exactly what’s happening in the background, and I’d rather not spend the money.
But, I have also learned the importance of bringing in experts when necessary – experts who know more and can do a better job than I ever could.
This morning, for example, I had a brief conversation with my attorney (okay, I do like saying, “my attorney”) regarding a contract an organization has asked me to sign.
I looked it over and it seemed fine. She looked it over and raised a number of what I now understand to be important concerns. Then she made suggestions for things that need changing.
I often have similar interactions with my accountant, tech person, designer, and others – all professionals who see and do things that I can not come close to matching.
Here’s the bottom line.
If you are just starting out in business, or if you have been in business for a while but cash is tight and you are looking for ways to save money, be careful about what you choose to do in-house.
After all, you could save money by shutting the power off too, but it’s probably not a wise long-term solution.
Over 20+ years in business for myself, I’ve learned the value of hiring capable professionals.
They watch your back, they make you look good, and net net, they almost always save you money and/or get you more clients.
Sometimes they even keep you from getting stung by a swarm of angry insects.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever seen an insect-shaped sports car?
- How about a sports car-shaped insect?
- Ask and answer your own insect-themed question here. (Geez, he’s really phoning in the questions this week.)
Share your answers below…
Great article! It took me a while to learn that having a key set of individuals around (including my attorney and my accountant!) to ensure business success was necessary. Now..on to the questions!
1. Have you ever seen an insect-shaped sports car?
No…but that could be interesting.
2. How about a sports car-shaped insect?
I’m not getting that close to any insect.
3. Ask and answer your own insect-themed question here. (Geez, he’s really phoning in the questions this week.)
Yes, you are! But..last summer my husband’s car kept getting inch worms in it. Every time we would get in the car there was another inchworm…or 2 or 3. What the heck! Never figured it out but hoping they are not there this summer!