It seems I'm having a bad time with all my friends right now...

[sexgoddess]

A friend of mine has just started his own business and has asked me to help market it/make contacts etc. He can't afford to pay a salary to me but offered to pay a small percentage out of each order he takes from my efforts. I have set him up with a contact I made and they are doing business together. This contact can potentially keep him busier than he ever expected. He called me today to tell me how the meeting went and is clearly very impressed. However, before he hung up he said "Thanks SG, I owe you one". Now that to me sounds like a "bottle of wine" type thanks and not a small percentage out of an enormous order. I really cannot ask for money but feel very cheated.

And I am beginning to hate all my friends...

You ought to just remind him that he said he'd give you a small percentage of what ever he gets for the order. If he said he would, then that's what he owes you, so if he gives you anything else, just say to him about it. If he's a good friend, he'd understand and won't think you're being funny or anything. Or at least that's what I would do.

HTH

Send him your bank details and put a little note saying "re our agreement, I thought you might need these"

Was it just a figure of speech to express his thanks for the contact? Is there any other evidence that he wants to backtrack on your agreement?

If it were me I would contact him and say something along the lines of 'now you're trading we need to firm up our agreement - what percentage / payment frequency were you thinking of?' - like it's never even crossed your mind that he would backtrack. You need to be very up front I think.

I would definitely mention it sexgoddess and not feel at all bad about it. What's worse feeling bitter and wanting to smack him (oh sorry that'd be me )
Why can't u ask? If you were his manager you'd be gettin a damn sight more. Go on, ask and then come on here and tell us how assertive and good you're feeling If it feels difficult just pretend you're an actress playing a part then it's not you asking

I'm with officerdibble.

You could even say, 'we should have a drink to celebrate your first business success. And by the way, now you're up and running how do you want to implement the commission arrangements: monthly statemnt, payments as they arise or whatever.'