For baseball fans, you know that August is the month that means about as much as a gallon of gas to a Tesla owner. August is hot and all you have on your mind is the vacation you just took or the one you are about to take. Who are we kidding here? Who wants to read about my thoughts on business planning or sales techniques on a hot summer day?
August will be my month to share in some business faux pas I have encountered in my decades (Did I just write decades?) in the business world. Actually, I don’t know if the term faux pas is appropriate here but I’ve been dying to use it in one of these articles. If any of these scenarios sound all too familiar because you have said this to a vendor, step out of the pool right now and go to your room! If you’ve heard any of these quotes during your time in business, I can only hope it doesn’t bring back a bad memory. Here are a few that come to mind:
“I know I should have called you sooner, but I’ve been busy. I really need this by tomorrow.”
The key phrase here is “…but I’ve been busy.” What’s that old saying about your lack of planning doesn’t constitute an emergency for me? If you ever hear this from a strange voice on the phone, put the phone down and walk away. This will be a bumpy road with huge potholes. Present clients excepted, as they’ve earned special consideration and we work it out.
“You’re the 4th person I’ve tried; can you help me?”
Let me get this straight, you felt there were 3 other businesses more qualified than me to find a solution to your problem. They either cannot or will not help you and now you’re digging around the bottom of the potato chip bag hoping to find a meal from the crumbs on the bottom? As stated, prior, set the phone down and go about your day and hope that business number 5 picks up the phone.
“I really appreciate all you have done but ABC Company came in a little under your price.”
If this is a straight blind bid, you give your quote and you take your chances. What frosts the cookies of a business owner is when you have done all the research, design and consultations and that information is given to ABC Company who hasn’t done more than send in an email. Grab your blood pressure meds, turn on some smooth jazz and do your best to not grind your teeth down to a stump.
Thanks for indulging me on this month’s message. I had one of the above scenarios happen recently and it caused me to think that I’m probably not the only one who has heard some silly statements in their day. Owning and operating your own business opens you up to a plethora of anecdotes, some of which will leave you shaking your head in amazement.
On a more somber note, one of our Chamber members is going through a rough time and could use some positive thoughts from all of us to help him through a difficult period. Our thoughts are with him and prayers for recovery and seeing his bright smile at a Chamber function very soon.
Joe Casteel is a 20 year veteran of the Electronic Payment industry and moved his business to Lake County in 2006. A proud member of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and current President, Joe and his wife Jacie have called Lake County their home since 2001.
