Recently a friend of mine called asking for a favour.
I’ve known this guy years. We started our respective businesses around the same time.
He has now reached the point where he needs to relocate his staff to a new building. As his business continues to expand, he has simply run out of room.
New Premises
As he wanted to move from where he is now to Wolverhampton and as I obviously know the area better than he, would I have a look at offices that are available and get back to him?
Sure, no problem.
You are paying next time we go for a curry.
Desk Research
So that afternoon I looked on Google to see what was available.
Having identified possibilities it was time to get the details. So I called the first four agents. I explained the premises were not for MHM but for a client who’s identity at this stage was confidential.
We were looking for premises that could seat 15 people plus two offices (one for MD and one for the General Manager).
We also needed on-site car parking. I also explained this was very much an initial inquiry and I was merely establishing what, where, how much, etc.
I asked them to e-mail potential premises and give me a week to consider the options.
After giving it some thought, I’d call them back after there week had passed.
Nothing would happen before that.
Follow Instructions
Why then have I taken three phone calls this morning asking me to update them and enquiring how we move forward?
Again I repeated this was an initial inquiry and pointed out nothing would happen until my friend and I have looked at the details. But still, I was asked the same questions I’d already answered.
The decision would not be taken for the next seven days
I don’t want to arrange a viewing of a specific property yet
I’m not able to state who my client is
I’m not interested in them coming to see me and discuss requirements
Premises for 40 people are NOT suitable – I said up to 15!
Offices for 6 people with no car parking is a stupid suggestion.
Not Listening
If I hadn’t got to find the best possible premises the three who hassled me this morning would drop straight off the list and I’d only deal with the remaining agent. And for one reason alone.
She Listened
She has accepted and understood the brief and instructions and therefore she goes to the top of the list.
Two of those who hassled me have the same property available as the one who has NOT hassled me. And the premises look very suitable too.
Now let me think whom I’m going to call back?
The lady who did NOT hassle me!
My point is I gave a very specific brief to all four.
It does not instill me with much confidence regarding the three who don’t appear to be willing to follow even that.
I know all four have a job to do but wasting my time by calling is unacceptable.
Final thought, the one agent who called my mobile this morning because my direct line was engaged should maybe have considered my direct line was engaged because I was USING IT!!!
pete@medicalhealthcaremanagement.co.uk