Loyalty in business

[LB]

Originally Posted by Ramster

LB
I think you are not an idiot at all. What goes around comes around. That is a cliche but it is true. Do what your gut tells you to do as long as it is ethical. If you are supporting someone that is acting ethical then fantastic but if at any time they cross the line, stop the support.

I try to help people. I think this board in general is a helping board and there are only a few like it online today with people helping others for nothing in return.

I was told a long time ago your reputation can be everything in this business. Ruin it and it is hard to get back. Keep it and you can go a long way.

Yeah I was thinking along those lines too.... its just nice to have it said back to me.

But let me clarify what sparked this thread is recently someone who helped me out as a newbie asked for (almost expected) quite a substantial loan to start an affiliate program, and personally I don't think he has what it takes or the business sense to run one so it would probably be a one way gift.

I believe in doing the right thing and helping those who helped me, but where do you draw the line I guess is what I'm asking.

[Surfn]

Originally Posted by LB

Yeah I was thinking along those lines too.... its just nice to have it said back to me.

But let me clarify what sparked this thread is recently someone who helped me out as a newbie asked for (almost expected) quite a substantial loan to start an affiliate program, and personally I don't think he has what it takes or the business sense to run one so it would probably be a one way gift.

I believe in doing the right thing and helping those who helped me, but where do you draw the line I guess is what I'm asking.

If you can afford it with no serious negative effect to your life do it. If it jeopardizes your way of life or your businesses then say no. We all have different levels of risk.

[SirMoby]

Originally Posted by LB

Yeah I was thinking along those lines too.... its just nice to have it said back to me.

But let me clarify what sparked this thread is recently someone who helped me out as a newbie asked for (almost expected) quite a substantial loan to start an affiliate program, and personally I don't think he has what it takes or the business sense to run one so it would probably be a one way gift.

I believe in doing the right thing and helping those who helped me, but where do you draw the line I guess is what I'm asking.

Don't confuse helping someone out with giving them money. Those are two different things.

[selena]

Originally Posted by SirMoby

Don't confuse helping someone out with giving them money. Those are two different things.

Agreed.

While there are plenty of things you could do for the person who helped you out, I personally would probably draw the line at money. Under the circumstances you described, that is.

If I thought the person was a ball of fire, with a program that would rake in the cash, loaning money might be a consideration.

[TopbucksTrixxxi]

Originally Posted by LB

But let me clarify what sparked this thread is recently someone who helped me out as a newbie asked for (almost expected) quite a substantial loan to start an affiliate program, and personally I don't think he has what it takes or the business sense to run one so it would probably be a one way gift.

I believe in doing the right thing and helping those who helped me, but where do you draw the line I guess is what I'm asking.

LB - forgive me for putting in my two cents I'll never forget where I've been, the paths I've crossed and the people who guided me, picked me up, or just told me to hang in there along the way. I'd help anyone that has helped me and go above and beyond to help them out. My only barrier is money. Somehow, I've never felt comfortable to ask anyone for money - other than my bank, I don't think I've ever asked anyone for money. Although, if I see someone struggling and have some bucks in epassporte, I'll donate to something or someone who's plea/story I believe in - but that's just a small amount. Not 10's of thousands of dollars!

Since they didn't help you financially, I don't think his/her 'expecting' financial help is justified. I'm all for helping him/her get financing from a bank, helping him/her with their business plan, guiding them with their thoughts, helping with their strategy and marketing plan - but putting your money on the line if your name isn't on the company is not a good idea - unless you STRONGLY believe that it will work, you STRONGLY believe in their work ethics and you STRONGLY believe that no matter what, you'll get your initial investment.

Not throwing away your money, doesn't make you an ingrate - just makes you wise businessman/woman and your decision can also be preventing them from throwing their own money into a bad investment. You'd be serving them well by offering your expertise and helping with getting the plan to work rather than throwing your money into the unknown.

Ok that's my 2 Canadian Cents!!

[Dagwolf]

Originally Posted by LB

Yeah I was thinking along those lines too.... its just nice to have it said back to me.

But let me clarify what sparked this thread is recently someone who helped me out as a newbie asked for (almost expected) quite a substantial loan to start an affiliate program, and personally I don't think he has what it takes or the business sense to run one so it would probably be a one way gift.

I believe in doing the right thing and helping those who helped me, but where do you draw the line I guess is what I'm asking.

You draw the line at going against your better judgement with "quite a substantial loan".

You must REALLY feel like you owe this guy to even be considering such a move. You can pay him back by giving him the benefit of your experience in starting a sponsor program and running paysites, maybe even giving HIM some contacts.

If you really think running an affiliate program is going to be a disaster for this guy, maybe what you need to do is point him in a direction that might be more profitable for him.