[CAUT] It was a funny first

[David Skolnik]

At 10:32 PM 12/15/2006, you wrote:

>A little better communication (and respect for all involved!) on her part
>would have avoided all of this.
>
>Cheers-
>:)
>Michelle


OK then.  We've established that she's inconsiderate, maybe 
overwhelmed; he's rude; they're somewhat dysfunctional, just like 
real people. As long as you're fantasizing about your retort, think 
of how much worse it could have been!

But now for the hard part.  Starting with the phone call, what did 
you do wrong?  Jim Ellis pointed out that he doesn't do first 
appointments unless it's established that the owner will be there at 
beginning and end.  How much of the scenario do you establish at the 
initial conversation?  I may not be as insistent as Jim, but, for 
example, if the plan moves towards depending upon the presence of the 
cleaning lady, I immediately ask a series of questions:
Will you be reachable by phone?
Will you be leaving a check?
Does the cleaning lady speak English?
Is the house big enough for her to work in other areas while I am 
tuning?  - Vacuuming and kitchen cleaning noises are no good.
Does she listen to the radio, watch TV, talk on the phone, sing or whistle?

I'm sure you handled yourself well, and even, on some level, enjoyed 
the character-expanding experience, (admit it!), but the real test 
would be to see how it affects the way you take control of the 
situation the next time you answer the phone. I just know this will 
be a another transformative experience for you.  It's all good.

Cheers Indeed!!

David S, the occasional