Or is this part of your going out of business plan? You don't return calls.
You don't keep appointments, and worse, you don't call to let me know or to reschedule. And you don't keep your commitments, whether it is to complete a project on time, or to get back to me with pricing. And you don't keep me updated on what is going on unless I call you. And then you try to make me feel like I am putting you out and should just wait until you decide it is time to get back to me. And amazingly so, after missing an appointment, without calling, you call on another day saying that you can be there in 15 minutes, or, you just show up at my door telling me that you are ready.
I am continually amazed at how many people in business, whether sole proprieters, small businesses or even larger businesses behave so badly, especially here in the South. I have never had such experiences dealing with businesses other than here or when I lived in Kentucky. I don't understand how many remain in business. And I don't understand the mindset of people who appear to do everything that they can to fail.
Now maybe that is not in your business plan, maybe you do really want to succeed and grow your business. And maybe if you knew who I am you would treat me better. No, I am nobody special. I am not a celebrity, I am not a politician. I am not wealthy.
But, I am a Realtor®. I deal with hundreds of people all the time. And many of them need to find someone to provide them a service. They need plumbers, contractors, appliance repair people, lawn and yard services, electricians, handy men. They need these things and so do I. And they often ask me who I would recommend.
And guess what. I won't be recommending you! As a matter of fact, if they ask me about you I will truthfully tell them of the poor customer service that you provided me. I will provide them the names and phone numbers of other resources.
But I really shouldn't have to tell you that I am a Realtor®. I shouldn't have to tell you who or what I am to get good service from you. You should be providing it to everyone, not just those who you think you can benefit from.
So maybe, before the year is over, if you want success next year you might put these things in your business plan for next year:
- Return phone calls
- Keep appointments
- Keep commitments
- Keep us updated
Yes, I understand that life happens. Sometimes external forces conspire to prevent you from doing one of these things. But that's what phones are for. If you are going to be late, if you need to reschedule, pick up a phone and call. I am not going to yell and scream at you. Most people won't. And keep me updated. If you have to order parts or materials, let me know when they can be expected in. Call me when you want to schedule a return visit if needed, don't just drop by.
So, don't worry about who I am. Just treat everybody better. Treat us all with respect. And guess what, you might find out that good things happen. Like I wrote, I deal with people all of the time, and many of them need a service just like yours. When they ask me for a reference, I would like to give them your name. Really!
