Owed money? Don’t ever do this if you want to be paid

The default approach for many people chasing money is the guilt-trip. Crying poor. Basically pleading for the money and explaining why you need it so badly. This is the worst thing you can do. There’s no doubt there is a time and a place for a guilt trip but it should never be at your expense. “I would never do this to you” is fine. “Because of you I can’t pay my rent” is not. Don’t ever let them see your vulnerable side- all this does is make you look weak and desperate.  Even if you are, don’t ever show it.  We’ve said it before and we will say it again- they may have your money but it’s you who wields all the power.  You can impact their credit file. You can sue them. You can withhold your products and services. You can replace them as a customer. None of this should diminish or devalue the genuine hardship you might be under because of them- it’s heartbreaking for us to see good people owed money that they clearly desperately need.  So pleading for it and hoping the person’s conscience will kick in is natural. Just please take it from us that it rarely works. Maintaining an aura of confidence is vital, even if it’s all for show.