The Emotional Toll

Doing business is hard.  We all know that, but sometimes people don't really see just how hard it is for a small business. 

The credit crunch hurts in real ways.  It affects real people, business owners and customers alike.  It not only makes a difference in the cash flow but it takes an emotional toll that can't be calculated.  

Do you suppose for one moment that a dentist office wants to send someone who's face is swollen and in an extreme amount of pain out of the office without caring for them?  Of course not.  Does the veterinarian prefer to put a beloved family pet to sleep rather than perform a surgery that will prolong its life by years? Absolutely not.  But they have a responsibility to their employees, their families and themselves to keep the business afloat.  Often these people are accused of being heartless or cruel, which is understandable coming from someone who is in pain or grief but it isn't true. 

So next time you're thinking about how the credit crunch and bad economy has hurt people, stop and think about just how real those hurts are and how much higher the toll is than will ever be reported in the media.  And when you have an opportunity to be understanding, seize it.

Gerry Copenhaver

O311 Incorporated Affiliate