The Story of Harry Pt 2
It has been a week since the fateful meeting with my friend. As you may recall, in a previous blog, I met a work colleague. We got to talking about personal projects and what we do outside of work. He shared his passions and I told him about the IRS Self Defense and Self Settlement Advocacy Group.
He revealed to me that he had a large tax debt and was working through things but was completely frustrated with the lack of direction he had. He was also totally completely disappointed with the work that the ‘tax settlement professionals’ he was engaged with did. He even mentioned how they were looking for more money and a large monthly stipend to continue their work ($900.00). He was paralyzed.
I was amazed at how much our stories correlated. I was once in the same place, along with so many other people. Frustrated, stuck, with a side helping of hopelessness creeping in.
I gave him access to my course, and I hadn’t heard from him in over a week. I’ve been frankly waiting on pins and needles asking myself:
Did I waste my time with my course?
This is where the rubber meets the road, someone with debt who downloaded the book and is working his way through the course. Will it actually help him?
Will I be telling him information he already knows?
Will my friend talk to me again?
It’s a Saturday and I’m walking my dog. The suspense is killing me, so I decide it’s time to give my friend a call.
I call and he picks up on the first ring.
“Steve, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
My thoughts: “Ok, this sounds like a guy who is going to break me some bad news. ‘Steve, your program is stupid. Steve, what a waste of my time, what were you thinking! Or Steve, I took one look at things and didn’t even get past the first page.”
NOPE. That is not what he said.
What he said was (I humbly report) : “Steve, your program was an absolute lifesaver to me. Every bit of it was unbelievably helpful. Your tone in your book and in your course was just perfect. It helped me see where I was at and helped me build a plan forward. I can’t believe how helpful it was and I can’t thank you enough.”
His response literally took my breath away.
I said, “Harry, if the whole effort of writing, recording and producing the program was just for this moment, I’m completely satisfied!”
I know the feeling of being stuck with nowhere to go, no one to turn to. I know the hopelessness and fear that creeps in when your thoughts run wild about the steps the IRS can take to make your life difficult.
I then asked, “Harry, What did you think of the charts that show the path?!? How did the calculator work out for you?!?!”
He said sheepishly, “I didn’t see the charts or the calculator yet.”
I explained to him how these tools can really help him on the next steps and the negotiation process, and he promised me he would review them before the weekend is over.
What a victory!
