Bleak

Like my day today.

The highlight was walking out of my second meeting in 2 weeks, being the second time in my business career. As they are a substantial supplier I had to go back, after a few minutes in the cold air outside to cool off, to try and talk through the issues.

Our relationship with them is definitely frosty right now, and today something was said that came close to ending the relationship. But we both have a lot invested and they are trying hard in general.

I think people often look at businesses or people in business and think of the soulless emotionless corporate. And about the excessive profits that "all businesses" make. If you have been in business you would know that both those assumptions are rarely true. For me, businesses is all about people, emotion and relationships. Sure, money is involved and ultimately a business has to make a profit, otherwise it's a hobby. But business is never just about the money. There are few unique products in the world so we have lots of choice about who to buy from and at what price. Often the deciding factor is people and relationships and trust.

Right now I am wondering what the future is for this relationship, and whether spring will arrive. Actually, I know it will, but the thaw might take a while ...