galestoner.com

Several years ago, my friend, Mark LeBlanc, introduced me to several traps that people can fall into that block potential.  One of those traps is the comparison trap, and I fell in head first.

Over the weekend, I registered for a photography course in hopes of taking my hobby to the next level.  But after seeing some of the current work of fellow students, I allowed myself to fall into the comparison trap.  I began to compare my photos with their work.  I found myself feeling discouraged because “my photos aren’t as good as their photos.”

However, a wise person, my wife, quickly pulled me out of the trap when she reminded me why I was taking the course.  She went on to say that I had an advantage over the others because I had more potential for improvement and I would benefit more from the course than the others would.  I could earn the title “Most Improved.”  I’m still wondering if there was a hidden message there.

When we compare ourselves with others, we run the risk of giving up, not taking a risk, and never realizing our full potential.  How sad to never know what you are capable of doing.

Yesterday was Father’s Day.  As I received best wishes from my wife and my three daughters, I couldn’t avoid reflecting on my success as a husband and father.  I have made more mistakes as a husband and father than my daughters will ever know.  I know my wife is aware of all my mistakes.  Yet, it’s humbling to know that I am blessed with a great wife and three loving daughters that look past a husband’s and father’s failings.  Yesterday was a great day and a humbling day.

We are remodeling a bathroom.  This is scheduled for a three-week project.  I know what you’re thinking and you’re right.  This will turn into a six-week project.  Last week the plumbers removed the fiberglass tub/shower combination to prepare for the glass/tile walk-in shower.  After the fiberglass unit was cut out and removed we discovered that the builder had run some of the plumbing on the outside of the wall studs rather than going through them.  Now we have an added expense, not to mention the added time, to completely redoing the copper plumbing.  Sometimes it’s that way in business.  On the surface, everything seems to be fine and all is well.  Only when we begin to take a deeper look at how things are really operating, can we discover the opportunities for improvement.

It was time to remodel our master bath.

The owner of our local bath fixture specialty store gave me the names of three designers that have a reputation for doing excellent work.  I called the first design firm on the list.  The receptionist indicated no one was available at the moment but someone would call back within the hour.

While waiting for the first design firm to return my call, I made contact with the 2nd firm.  I followed the instructions of the recording and left my name and number.  This was repeated for the 3rd firm.

Ten days after the search for a designer began, and after inspecting their work, and checking several references, I signed a contract with the 2nd firm for the design and completion of the remodel project.  Demolition begins in two weeks.

Why did I select the 2nd firm?

The first firm did not return my call within the hour as the receptionist had promised.  In fact, it has been four weeks since that initial call and I still haven’t heard from them.

I did receive a return call from the 3rd firm two weeks after my initial contact.  When I informed the designer I had already selected someone else, her response was, “I guess I was a little slow getting back to you.”

If you want more business you have to act like you want the business.  You want to be perceived as professional, you have to act professional.  Sometimes it begins with a simple phone call.

Service should not be a game of chance.  Service should be a daily event!