Running a business often involves balancing professional obligations with the personal passion that drives your work. As the owner of TAB Professional Services, LLC, I recently encountered a situation that highlighted the importance of maintaining this balance. Today, I want to share insights from this experience—particularly the challenges of enforcing payment and the lessons I’ve learned.

The Project

Recently, I took on the task of writing seven Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants for a clinic. These grants are critical for securing funding to support medical care, mental health services, and community resources for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

This work was especially meaningful to me as I’ve known people impacted by AIDS, and I understand the fear and uncertainty that surrounds an HIV diagnosis. 

Because of my passion for this cause, I decided to offer my services at a reduced rate—charging $2,100 for the entire project. To put this into perspective, the typical cost for a single grant of this complexity ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. Writing seven for this fee was my way of contributing to a cause I deeply care about.

The Issue

I completed the work on time and fulfilled all aspects of the agreement, as outlined in the contract, which specifies that payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. While I’ve made multiple follow-ups regarding the outstanding payment, I’ve now taken steps to enforce the payment terms outlined in our agreement.

This situation has reinforced the importance of adhering to professional standards. The Grant Professionals Association’s (GPA) Code of Ethics emphasizes that grant writers should receive fair compensation for their work, regardless of the grant’s outcome. This principle protects the integrity of the field and ensures that professionals are valued for their time and expertise.

Lessons Learned

While I am passionate about supporting causes that matter to me, this experience has highlighted the need to prioritize sound business practices. Some of the key takeaways from this situation include:

1. Consistency in Payment Policies: Flexible terms can be helpful, but it’s essential to enforce payment deadlines to ensure financial stability for my business.
2. Recognizing the Value of Expertise: Undercharging not only undervalues my work but also sets a precedent that could undermine the professional standard.
3. Balancing Passion with Policy: My decision to loosen boundaries for this project was driven by compassion, but it’s a reminder to approach every project with the same level of professionalism, regardless of personal feelings.

Moving Forward

This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to maintaining clear payment terms and enforcing them consistently. Moving forward, I will require deposits and ensure that all contracts include provisions for timely payment. These practices will help ensure that my business operates sustainably while still allowing me to contribute meaningfully to causes that I care about.

I share this reflection not as a complaint but as a learning opportunity—for myself and for others. Running a business requires navigating challenges and making difficult decisions, but each obstacle is an opportunity to grow and refine your approach.

If you’ve encountered similar challenges in your business, I’d love to hear your insights. Let’s continue to learn from one another as we pursue meaningful work and strive for success.