Invoicing has always been the suckiest part of my job.
Is there a part of your business, or one thing in your life that you dread, but you have to keep doing it over and over and over again? I see you, laundry.
Invoicing is my perpetual purgatory. I can’t run a business without it, but ohhh, hate.
In the movie, “Big Hero Six,” (stay with me, this is leading somewhere), the main character, Hiro, can’t figure out what to enter into the San Fransokyo Art Institute Expo. He’s moping around, banging his head on the table – it is almost exactly what it looks like when it’s time for me to send invoices. His brother grabs him, turns him upside down, and shakes him around. “Shake things up, look for a new angle.”
Ok. I will. Thanks Tadashi!
My new angle to invoicing: it’s an opportunity for me to add another building block of relationship with my clients. Relationship and connection are one of my favorite parts of this job – and life.
So this year, I started shaking it up.
In my invoices, there are now two fun things. Yeah, fun!
- Some little thing that I am inspired to create and share – a recipe, conversation starters, a playlist (this Spotify list was created in collaboration with my partner and kids – I do not love Marilyn Manson or Ava Max).
- A poll. You’re confused, Anne. Polls are not fun. This one is! As a member of 1% For The Planet, I give one percent of my revenue to environmental organizations. Now (with my poll), my clients pick which organization they would like to have the one percent from our collaboration go to.
Results are limited as this is new to 2024, but I will say, rather than the typical “thanks, I will pass it on to finance,” I get more of “can’t wait to try these” and “oh how fun” and “I’ve never, ever in my whole life enjoyed receiving an invoice more!” Yes, the last one’s made up, but I know it’s what they are thinking.
And really in the end – It’s all about me. Invoicing now brings me joy. So yay!
Is there something you can turn on its head to find a new angle?
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweitzer
What is your perpetual purgatory?
Maybe I can help you brainstorm a different angle?
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