Honesty is the best policy

As you may know, a few months ago I decided starting my own business was a life-long dream..that demanded action now. It is the best choice for me, considering I wanted more job satisfaction, more choice on when and where I work, and more time with my children-but, yet enough time away from them that I feel like a human being.

As an independent marketing consultant, I decided "honesty was the best policy" with my clients. From the beginning, I was determined to be up-front with clients. And, in fact, with my first client, I told them in the initial meeting that I work three days a week. And, that the other two days I am President of my home and rank and file servant to my children.

The beauty of technology is that I can be in communication with clients via e-mail and the occasionaly "nap" phone call on my "off" days. But, yesterday, against my intuition and gut (always listen to your gut), I accepted a 4pm conference call with my client. Let me set-up the situation:

Just as I was joining the call via "Meeting Place"--you know, where you dial in, enter the meeting code and "record" your name--my children began to fight. So, my recorded entry was me and the girls screaming and yelling, which every person on the call heard. A roar of laughter was heard as I joined in. I apologized, and said I was home with my kids. Of course, this would be the day that the President and CEO joined the meeting (the first time for this particular meeting).

Throughout the call, I was breaking up fights, trying to engage the children in TV, movies, shows, kitchen role play, fort play, ANYTHING--except these little munchkins were sick of being inside on a raining day. I eventually tried food....in the playroom...hot dogs and applesauce. Which of course was all over the floor and the wall eventually. Great.

At one point in the call, I realized that I had forgot to have mute on. I have NO IDEA what anyone heard, but I'm sure it was way more than I had intended.

Finally the call came to an end. My client asked me if there was anything I wanted to add, which of course was at the EXACT moment that Sasha, my two-year old, decided to scream bloody murder. As I was diving for the nuk, I threw it in her mouth, took the phone off mute (after a very long uncomfortable silence in which all in the room were waiting for me to join), and said "oh no, nothing at all!".

Sign of relief. The call was over. Looking back, I don't think I will try and accept a conference call with the kids again. But, I'm so glad I was honest with my client--she understood, and didn't seem at all in the least annoyed.