OFFICE MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS POLICIES
If the inventor is unfortunate enough to be compelled to attend to
his own office work, he will probably find it advantageous to observe
the following rules:
Answer all letters promptly, briefly, and politely, and don't write
what you feel like, as that will often get you into trouble. Don't
forget to make a copy, and keep it, of every letter you send out, and
file carefully all letters you receive.
If the inventor has to be his own purchasing agent, he should
remember that the lowest price is not always the cheapest, and the
highest price doesn't indicate that you couldn't get it any cheaper
elsewhere, and as good, if not better.
Whenever possible, arrange for everything to be delivered at your
place, as that throws the transit responsibility on the contractor
until the goods are delivered, and your credit is also longer.
Order your goods as much ahead of time as possible as goods are very
rarely delivered on the time they are promised.
Examine all goods delivered in your place as to quality and weight,
and keep a careful memorandum of the same, and don't forget to check
off the bills you receive for the same.
Don't be afraid to complain of unfair treatment, even at the risk of
being called a "kicker."
Remember that the faithful performance of your duties for the firm
that trusts and depends upon you, is more important than the
catering to anybody, especially if it has to be done at the expense
of the firm you represent.
Don't expect "perfection" from people you are dealing with, as they
have also a good many things to contend with, and when once you have
O. K.'d the bills, pay for them as soon as possible if you want to
maintain your credit and your self-respect.
Honesty and straight dealings will materially increase your chances
of staying in the market, once you get there.
Cultivating a good name with the people you are dealing with, is
better than "kowtowing" to "Rating Agencies," as well as being the
cheapest and very best kind of advertising. Never misrepresent your
financial condition when furnishing a statement to your bank, for you
may do it once too often, and then you will wish "you hadn't." You
will travel more easily and further by telling the truth.