Asking Is Always Better Than Just Taking...

With all the snow we’ve been so blessed with this winter (I say that very sarcastically), the need for a shovel was imminent  (a snow blower would have been better, but a shovel is what I own).

I recently moved to a new neighborhood where my driveway is much shorter-thank goodness, so the 30 inch snow storm only took me five  hours to shovel rather than two days it would have taken me at the last house.  Apparently the belief in my new neighborhood is just take without asking.  One of my neighbors does not own a shovel (not sure if they know it or not, but we do live in New England!) So, rather than go out and buy one, their belief is … let’s just take the neighbors shovel that is inside their enclosed porch. 

After the big snow storm, I noticed the neighbor came into my porch, took my shovel and went across the street and proceeded to shovel their driveway.  Never knocked on the door to ask…just took it.  So I waited, maybe they’ll come and thank me when they’re  done.  Nope, just left the shovel leaning against my car, didn’t put it back in my porch where they got it.  After three snow storms, and this continuing to happen, my husband walked over and gave them a good ole’ explanation of neighborly  etiquette.  He explained that he was angry that they were coming on our property, assuming our possessions were their own and then not putting them where they took them from or even letting us know they were doing it.  He stated that if they had only asked, not only would he not be angry with them, but he probably would have helped them shovel.  But now, unfortunately our shovel  gets locked in our mud room.  Sound childish? Maybe, but where I grew up and how I grew up, we don’t assume others “things.”  We ask nicely, we say please and thank you and we just never assume.  It’s a great way to live to maintain a good working relationship with our fellow human beings.

Ok, where am I going with this?  Are you an assumer? Do you know what to do when opening a business in Manchester?  Do you really know the process?  Where to start? What Town Departments to check in with?  Permits that need to be applied for?  Special licenses?  Is your property zoned properly for the type of business you are opening?  Are you making changes to your existing business and have not checked in with the Town to make sure you are in compliance? Never assume, start at the Chamber or go right to the Town if you’re thinking of opening a business or making changes to your existing business, we can give you an idea of what departments you should be making contact with before you make any changes or major decisions that might end up costing you in the end.  Build a good working relationship with your Chamber and the Town.  Ask first…don’t assume.  It could mean the difference between a friendly, neighborly relationship or locking your shovels up in your mud room!