Diligence, that is.
Due diligence is the process of doing the appropriate research so as to be able to make a wise decision or avoid a costly error.
Due diligence is getting a professional inspection done on a property before we buy it.
Due diligence is collecting documents–pay stubs, NOA’s, credit scores, job letters–before we approve anyone for a rent 2 own contract.
Due diligence is prospective rent 2 own clients checking out our web site and our professional credentials before signing up a rent 2 own contract.
Due diligence is checking out references on a potential tenant before renting them a suite.
Due diligence is a tenant checking out whether their prospective landlord is reputable or a slum landlord.
Due diligence is getting independent legal advice before signing important legal documents.
When we fail to do our proper due diligence, we frequently get into trouble.
So why do I bring this up in today’s blog?
Well, two days ago, I was denied boarding of my flight to India because my visa documents were not in order. I thought I’d checked the requirements. They’d evidently not been clear. But there had been a notice in the information that advised us to check official sites as this information was only “believed to be correct at the time of posting and things change.”
I hadn’t done that. I’d prepared for this trip much too hastily. Way to busy with moving and, I suppose, doing due diligence within the many facets of my business, I hadn’t done adequate due diligence on getting my Indian visa.
I spent most of the day between the consulate, waiting in long lines, photo session, walking, document filling, walking, photocopying, walking, some more waiting in line. . . Just how I always wanted to spend a day in downtown Vancouver!
I came back home and did my due diligence, after the fact. I can make excuses that the original information was misleading. And that, even after knowing the facts, it was not simple to find them in a Google search. But, ultimately, I have to own this one. I didn’t do adequate due diligence.
My flight is re-booked. If everything went right the other day, I will pick up my visa this afternoon and board a plane at dinner time. I will miss the first day of my scheduled tour but join the group before they board the train for Agra, the site of the famous Taj Mahal.
If I screwed up in my application done in such haste the other day and my visa is denied, my trip may be over before it starts.
Ultimately, I have no one to blame but myself.
Always do your due diligence!
At least, that’s how I see it . . .
Quote of the Week:
Diligence is the mother of good fortune, and idleness, its opposite, never brought a man to the goal of any of his best wishes. – Miguel de Cervantes
