It’s All About Communication, Folks
So in the 90s, I rented a large workshop with two friends. I was a woodworker and the other two were metal workers. As a result, none of our work resembled the previous business, which had installed skylights, in any way.
Well, in walks a customer of the previous business. I have condensed this, as the verbatim conversation went on for a very long time.
She arrives at my door and without saying hello she says: “I need repairs done to the skylights you installed.” I reply: “Sorry, that business has moved and I don’t know where they are now.” She says: “No, I need you to send someone over NOW.
The skylights are leaking.” I reply, “As I said, that business has gone. We are a different company.”
She’s not listening. She yells: “No, RIGHT NOW!” Repeat the above a half dozen times. At this point, I am realizing I am dealing with either a genuine looney or someone too entitled to listen to plain common sense.
I try another tact—caveman speech. Who knows, it might get through. So I grunt: “Skylight business gone. New business come. You talking to new business now.
Unnerstand?”
She’s stammering, so I yell: “Nooooo skylight here!!! Try look in the friggin’ phone book! You bugger off now!” She then leaves in a big huff.
It’s all about communication folks.