Comments on: Got Screwed? Think twice before burning the bridge! http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/ Quick Sprout is a digital marketing and business blog based on the experiences of an entrepreneur, Neil Patel. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:09:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Abigail http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-102852 Abigail Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:26:50 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-102852 The picture really caught me eye and the content drew me in. I can't count the number of times I have been screwed over. Every time I put money in the bank I feel like I am being screwed over. Well there's winners and losers :( The picture really caught me eye and the content drew me in. I can’t count the number of times I have been screwed over. Every time I put money in the bank I feel like I am being screwed over. Well there’s winners and losers :(

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-88554 Neil Patel Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:57:38 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-88554 Good luck, it is a tough and valiant fight. Thanks for the story, was a great read. Good luck, it is a tough and valiant fight. Thanks for the story, was a great read.

]]> By: Interactive Mary http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-88476 Interactive Mary Sat, 06 Aug 2011 13:50:29 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-88476 Christopher, I agree 100% with your statement: "...there are truly bottom-feeder type people/companies who scrape by consistently screwing other people as a business model." I was the victim of one of these companies and then one of their sister companies (unbeknownst to me!); both run by a former used car salesman. Not only do these types of people not feel remorse, the power they derive from screwing people over is so overwhelmingly gratifying that they almost can't contain their smugness after they have manipulated, screwed, lied, cheated, stolen etc. etc. They will find out what makes a person tick and then say anything to get what they want. It's disgusting. It's like a good old boys club reminiscent of "Dinner for Schmucks" or "Trading Places" where the corrupt place some type of ridiculous bet at the expense of the "weak" for pure entertainment value. I, for one, am fighting back against these bottom-feeders and would suggest the same to anyone else in a similar situation. Christopher, I agree 100% with your statement: “…there are truly bottom-feeder type people/companies who scrape by consistently screwing other people as a business model.”

I was the victim of one of these companies and then one of their sister companies (unbeknownst to me!); both run by a former used car salesman.

Not only do these types of people not feel remorse, the power they derive from screwing people over is so overwhelmingly gratifying that they almost can’t contain their smugness after they have manipulated, screwed, lied, cheated, stolen etc. etc. They will find out what makes a person tick and then say anything to get what they want. It’s disgusting.

It’s like a good old boys club reminiscent of “Dinner for Schmucks” or “Trading Places” where the corrupt place some type of ridiculous bet at the expense of the “weak” for pure entertainment value.

I, for one, am fighting back against these bottom-feeders and would suggest the same to anyone else in a similar situation.

]]> By: Erin Albert’s Blog » Blog Archive » Burn Me Once: Shame On You… http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-87756 Erin Albert’s Blog » Blog Archive » Burn Me Once: Shame On You… Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:46:36 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-87756 [...] question to the universe after reading this blog post today, is this: what should I do in this case?  Turn the other cheek and pretend said person [...] [...] question to the universe after reading this blog post today, is this: what should I do in this case?  Turn the other cheek and pretend said person [...]

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-80282 Neil Patel Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:22:14 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-80282 Exactly, once you make that shift in your mindset, you allow yourself to be open to more opportunities. Exactly, once you make that shift in your mindset, you allow yourself to be open to more opportunities.

]]> By: Kim Jones http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-80233 Kim Jones Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:43:51 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-80233 Sometimes there is nothing you can do though. I had no idea that this person would screw me. I trusted him implicitly and in the end he says "you chose to work on the project willingly" and says he does not have to pay me. He also still won't send the work to me (this was a music project). I pressed for a written agreement and he refused. Perhaps I never should have proceeded without one, but that was my mistake. Anyway since he is from the other side of the world I cannot force him to send me the work. So this scumbag stole my time, my money and my talents and walked. I will be damned if he now takes up space in my mind when I have so many other great thing to focus on. This is what I mean by just letting go. Sometimes there is nothing you can do though. I had no idea that this person would screw me. I trusted him implicitly and in the end he says “you chose to work on the project willingly” and says he does not have to pay me. He also still won’t send the work to me (this was a music project). I pressed for a written agreement and he refused. Perhaps I never should have proceeded without one, but that was my mistake. Anyway since he is from the other side of the world I cannot force him to send me the work. So this scumbag stole my time, my money and my talents and walked. I will be damned if he now takes up space in my mind when I have so many other great thing to focus on. This is what I mean by just letting go.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-79786 Neil Patel Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:20:43 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-79786 We all get burned in some way shape or form, but the difference between the people the people who end up still making it and don't comes down to their ability to let it go. We all get burned in some way shape or form, but the difference between the people the people who end up still making it and don’t comes down to their ability to let it go.

]]> By: Kim Jones http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-79736 Kim Jones Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:46:28 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-79736 People who screw other people have to live with what they did. I firmly believe it comes back to them one way or another. I recently was screwed and was really angry, but learned that it did not do me any good. It was not going to change the fact that it happened. All the anger in the world would not make this person give me the product or the payment. The best thing I could do was cut my losses and move on. It could have been so much worse if I had stuck around longer. But I found out early enough to not have to endure major financial damage. Everything in life is a learning experience and there are people out there who are truly evil individuals posed as ncie people. I guess the trick is to learn how to navigate in the world with these types of people. People who screw other people have to live with what they did. I firmly believe it comes back to them one way or another. I recently was screwed and was really angry, but learned that it did not do me any good. It was not going to change the fact that it happened. All the anger in the world would not make this person give me the product or the payment. The best thing I could do was cut my losses and move on. It could have been so much worse if I had stuck around longer. But I found out early enough to not have to endure major financial damage. Everything in life is a learning experience and there are people out there who are truly evil individuals posed as ncie people. I guess the trick is to learn how to navigate in the world with these types of people.

]]> By: Tom - Business Consulting http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-77250 Tom - Business Consulting Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:44:59 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-77250 A client tried to lie to my wife about her daughter's scores (my wife runs a tutoring business), and I was upset enough that I wanted to have some pretty straight talk with the client. I thought the relationship was over, but my wife kept her cool and responded professionally, and the next thing you know the client was signing up for another session with my wife. Just got to keep your cool. A client tried to lie to my wife about her daughter’s scores (my wife runs a tutoring business), and I was upset enough that I wanted to have some pretty straight talk with the client. I thought the relationship was over, but my wife kept her cool and responded professionally, and the next thing you know the client was signing up for another session with my wife.

Just got to keep your cool.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-74111 Neil Patel Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:03:02 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-74111 Staying focused is one of the hardest things you can do, but you'll reach that level in no time. Staying focused is one of the hardest things you can do, but you’ll reach that level in no time.

]]> By: Add your Site http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-73895 Add your Site Fri, 01 Oct 2010 02:42:35 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-73895 Passive Income. I like the sound of that. I seem to be working hard trying to get my business going. I think I need to discover my direction and stay focused. Lots of ideas but not enough time. Passive Income. I like the sound of that. I seem to be working hard trying to get my business going. I think I need to discover my direction and stay focused. Lots of ideas but not enough time.

]]> By: 53 Ways to Become a Better Entrepreneur http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-73526 53 Ways to Become a Better Entrepreneur Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:22:45 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-73526 [...] If you ever get screwed over, think twice before you burn the bridge. [...] [...] If you ever get screwed over, think twice before you burn the bridge. [...]

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72597 Neil Patel Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:35:29 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72597 Yes... I agree with you 100%. Working with out a contract is the biggest mistake you can make. Yes… I agree with you 100%. Working with out a contract is the biggest mistake you can make.

]]> By: 7 Business Principles That You Have to Follow | The Daily Blog Awards http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72307 7 Business Principles That You Have to Follow | The Daily Blog Awards Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:40:22 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72307 [...] instead of getting upset, talking trash, and burning your relationship, you should just let things go. You never know when that person can come in handy and who knows [...] [...] instead of getting upset, talking trash, and burning your relationship, you should just let things go. You never know when that person can come in handy and who knows [...]

]]> By: Minu http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72071 Minu Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:02:33 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72071 Hey Neil! Totally been there. I had a client who came to us with work for a development service. We completed the job way ahead of schedule in total perfection. 90 days later we were still sending him overdue billing notices. Finally I got an email saying "We don't remember signing a contract that says that's what we'll pay you." I wanted to hurt them - Hurt them baaaaad. I initially thought about taking them to court because between the emails and the Skype chats, I had enough to prove my case AND WIN. But their balance due wasn't enough to get myself dirty rolling with pigs and wasting my time getting my case together. Once you decide to take someone to court for hurting you, you're in combat-mode ALL THE TIME. I had to look inside myself and find out exactly what it was I was trying to prove and was it worth it? In the end I decided they weren't worth another second of my time. If it was a larger sum I probably would have pursued them till the ends of this earth. One huge takeaway - NEVER work without a contract. We're much more a business now so we never made this mistake again. But the lesson learned - just because someone sounds nice over the phone does not mean they won't screw you over. We went on to serve many awesome clients - but all with full legal agreements attached. Keep doing your amazing work! Minu Hey Neil!
Totally been there.
I had a client who came to us with work for a development service. We completed the job way ahead of schedule in total perfection. 90 days later we were still sending him overdue billing notices. Finally I got an email saying “We don’t remember signing a contract that says that’s what we’ll pay you.” I wanted to hurt them – Hurt them baaaaad. I initially thought about taking them to court because between the emails and the Skype chats, I had enough to prove my case AND WIN. But their balance due wasn’t enough to get myself dirty rolling with pigs and wasting my time getting my case together. Once you decide to take someone to court for hurting you, you’re in combat-mode ALL THE TIME. I had to look inside myself and find out exactly what it was I was trying to prove and was it worth it? In the end I decided they weren’t worth another second of my time. If it was a larger sum I probably would have pursued them till the ends of this earth.

One huge takeaway – NEVER work without a contract. We’re much more a business now so we never made this mistake again. But the lesson learned – just because someone sounds nice over the phone does not mean they won’t screw you over. We went on to serve many awesome clients – but all with full legal agreements attached.

Keep doing your amazing work!

Minu

]]> By: 10 Mistakes You’ll Make When Starting a Business | The Daily Blog Awards http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72039 10 Mistakes You’ll Make When Starting a Business | The Daily Blog Awards Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:50:19 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-72039 [...] are going to have to train yourself to make decisions based off of logic. Even if your emotions are telling you to do something else, you need to make the logical [...] [...] are going to have to train yourself to make decisions based off of logic. Even if your emotions are telling you to do something else, you need to make the logical [...]

]]> By: 7 Business Principles That You Have to Follow http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-71105 7 Business Principles That You Have to Follow Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:54:45 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-71105 [...] instead of getting upset, talking trash, and burning your relationship, you should just let things go. You never know when that person can come in handy and who knows [...] [...] instead of getting upset, talking trash, and burning your relationship, you should just let things go. You never know when that person can come in handy and who knows [...]

]]> By: 10 Mistakes You’ll Make When Starting a Business « Angel Angel Angel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-70623 10 Mistakes You’ll Make When Starting a Business « Angel Angel Angel Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:33:00 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-70623 [...] are going to have to train yourself to make decisions based off of logic. Even if your emotions are telling you to do something else, you need to make the logical [...] [...] are going to have to train yourself to make decisions based off of logic. Even if your emotions are telling you to do something else, you need to make the logical [...]

]]> By: 10 Mistakes You’ll Make When Starting a Business http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-70411 10 Mistakes You’ll Make When Starting a Business Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:33:52 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-70411 [...] are going to have to train yourself to make decisions based off of logic. Even if your emotions are telling you to do something else, you need to make the logical [...] [...] are going to have to train yourself to make decisions based off of logic. Even if your emotions are telling you to do something else, you need to make the logical [...]

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-68519 Neil Patel Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:27:11 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-68519 You need to be able to let things go else they'll destroy you in the long run. You need to be able to let things go else they’ll destroy you in the long run.

]]> By: Arther http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-68426 Arther Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:16:52 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-68426 I have to agree with nick, there are some people in this world that don't get their "karma" and sometimes its best to let them know that what this or that person did is inexcusable. Being the bigger person after being screwed badly just makes you out to be weak especially if other people are around to witness it. I believe it all depends on the situation and in certain cases it deserves to be met... I have to agree with nick, there are some people in this world that don’t get their “karma” and sometimes its best to let them know that what this or that person did is inexcusable. Being the bigger person after being screwed badly just makes you out to be weak especially if other people are around to witness it. I believe it all depends on the situation and in certain cases it deserves to be met…

]]> By: 10 Business Mistakes That Will Nearly Break You… Literally — Calculated Crunch News Freedom http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-65693 10 Business Mistakes That Will Nearly Break You… Literally — Calculated Crunch News Freedom Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:45:22 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-65693 [...] the best way to do this is to step back and take a break when you’re emotional. Once you calm down, you can then reevaluate the situation and make a [...] [...] the best way to do this is to step back and take a break when you’re emotional. Once you calm down, you can then reevaluate the situation and make a [...]

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60948 Neil Patel Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:02:29 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60948 Ouch, sorry to hear that John. Well no time like the present to learn from your mistakes and never do em again. Ouch, sorry to hear that John. Well no time like the present to learn from your mistakes and never do em again.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60946 Neil Patel Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:00:49 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60946 Yeah, he just needs to be safe in the future. Yeah, he just needs to be safe in the future.

]]> By: john http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60915 john Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:00:59 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60915 I really don't understand how you accepted to do that for her. It's good that nothing worse happened. Take care in the future! I really don’t understand how you accepted to do that for her. It’s good that nothing worse happened. Take care in the future!

]]> By: john http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60913 john Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:56:09 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-60913 Your advice is very helpful. I wish I would have read a few years ago...and maybe I would have done things in some other way. I had altercations at some past workplaces and I couldn't stand and I opened my mouth and that led me to leave those place not in very friendly conditions. Your advice is very helpful. I wish I would have read a few years ago…and maybe I would have done things in some other way. I had altercations at some past workplaces and I couldn’t stand and I opened my mouth and that led me to leave those place not in very friendly conditions.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-54840 Neil Patel Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:29:40 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-54840 WOW!!! that's an insane story. I guess its a good lesson for people to learn. Thanks for sharing, I hope no one makes that mistake. WOW!!! that’s an insane story. I guess its a good lesson for people to learn. Thanks for sharing, I hope no one makes that mistake.

]]> By: John http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-54758 John Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:32:00 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-54758 2 weeks ago i was at the mall and this women came up to me and said can you go into gamestop and help me? She tells me i just need you to sell these items because i have reached my limit. I go ok so i do it and im in there doing what she asked i found out they are stolen and my mom came by and got upset and we called security and i got cleared and i was let go. she then stocked me thinking i stole the items after i told her they were back in gamestop then i pulled a james bond got out of the place then ran. Come to find out from my mom she had a knife ect. Now what did i learn be weary but dont always think everybody is a scammer. 2 weeks ago i was at the mall and this women came up to me and said can you go into gamestop and help me? She tells me i just need you to sell these items because i have reached my limit. I go ok so i do it and im in there doing what she asked i found out they are stolen and my mom came by and got upset and we called security and i got cleared and i was let go. she then stocked me thinking i stole the items after i told her they were back in gamestop then i pulled a james bond got out of the place then ran. Come to find out from my mom she had a knife ect.

Now what did i learn be weary but dont always think everybody is a scammer.

]]> By: Neil Patel http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-50209 Neil Patel Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:31:15 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-50209 It's the sweetest form of revenge ;) It’s the sweetest form of revenge ;)

]]> By: Buy PSP Go http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-49663 Buy PSP Go Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:11:57 +0000 http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/08/06/got-screwed-think-twice-before-burning-the-bridge/#comment-49663 Getting screwed over just makes me want to succeed even more. Your advice is good - carefully distance yourself from the arrangement/relationship but don't be rude or confrontational. It's an amazing feeling to surpass those who screwed you over - even more so when you know they are kicking themselves for doing it to you in the first place. Getting screwed over just makes me want to succeed even more. Your advice is good – carefully distance yourself from the arrangement/relationship but don’t be rude or confrontational.

It’s an amazing feeling to surpass those who screwed you over – even more so when you know they are kicking themselves for doing it to you in the first place.

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