OP-ED: In Business, Do Not Make Assumptions and Always Honor Your Word:

In the fast-paced world of business, maintaining professionalism and honoring your word is paramount. Recently, I had an experience with a client—now a former client—that served as a reminder of this essential principle. The client had approached me for both a logo and a website design, to which I readily agreed. If you know anything about my work ethic, you’ll know that when I commit to something, I follow through. However, due to an increasingly hectic schedule, I was unable to complete the website on time, though I did deliver the client’s logo as promised.

To give a bit of background, I am an independent logo and website developer. My work involves helping businesses shape their visual identity through custom logos and graphic design. While I operate as a sole professional, I take great pride in my ability to collaborate closely with clients to ensure their vision becomes reality.

However, over the past few weeks, this particular client began making disparaging remarks about my professionalism, which, although unpleasant, did not impact my overall business. That said, I firmly believe in the importance of minding one’s own business and maintaining a respectful, professional demeanor regardless of the circumstances.

About two weeks ago, I finally reached a point where I could complete the website, with the client’s guidance, to ensure everything was in order. But just today, I received an abrupt text message from the client, expressing frustration about the timeline and demanding immediate action.

The frustration stemmed from an oral agreement we had made regarding the addition of more logos and websites for the client’s business expansion. Though this agreement was not formalized in writing, I had agreed to take on the additional work because I genuinely wanted to see the client succeed. However, without any contractual obligation, I was operating in good faith—a foundation I believe is essential in building lasting professional relationships.

The client and I had spoken on the phone the previous week, and I had clearly stated that I could complete the additional work as long as I received the necessary information, such as the specific requirements for the new logos and websites. Unfortunately, I did not receive any follow-up communications—no emails, no texts, no phone calls. So, the client’s sudden dissatisfaction, communicated via text, was interesting.

In response, I took the professional approach, calmly informing the client that I would no longer be able to proceed with the additional work. I explained that my schedule, both professionally and personally, was full and that I could not compromise my peace or my professional relationships due to a breakdown in communication on the client’s part. I made it clear that assumptions cannot replace clear, proactive communication, and I was not responsible for managing their expectations without the necessary input from them.

In business, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries and expectations on both sides. Oral agreements can work, but only when mutual respect and open communication are maintained throughout. In this case, the lack of follow-through on the client’s end led to frustration and unnecessary tension.

The takeaway from this experience is simple: Do not make assumptions, and always honor your word. As professionals, we must balance multiple projects and priorities. When clients fail to provide necessary information or make assumptions about timelines, it becomes difficult to maintain that balance. Communication is key to success—without it, even the most well-intentioned projects can go awry.

At the end of the day, my priority remains on doing good work for clients who respect the collaborative process, and I continue to value my professional commitments above all else.