I have a client i have been following up for the next dates for consulting. But she did not pick up her mobile. I called the office but she did not recieve and told through the secretary she will call later which she never did. I sms’ed , but no reply. The final straw was then i called her mobile and i recieved the “the user is busy” message.
At this point most suppliers would give up. Some might go crazy. I could go either way. But i have a strict policy of not taking shit and not giving shit.
I thought, if i was to lose this sale, then i might as well enjoy it. So i decided to sms her. Mind you, i chose not to dwell on the reasons of her action as they might simply range from busy to couldn’t say no.
My text was followed by an immediate call to apologize and confirm the consulting dates after two weeks as her company was closing the fiscal year, like all the others in town.
What the ‘text’ said?
“I would have appreciated that you returned my calls. I feel bad because of your ignoring. Thanks and sorry for disturbing.”
If i had chosen to take shit from the client, i would not have sent this sms. Then i would still be anxioulsy waiting to plan my schedule. She would think i understood her actions. My dates would not have been finalized so fast. i might have lost the sale.
Clients too get carried away. No one wants to give shit. When they do , they feel guilty and apologize. We must give them a chance to do these. This is by not taking shit, even from clients who pay us.
Just do it diplomatically and with dignity like i showed you in the sms.
