Some Misconceptions
Written by Gloria Metrick on . Published as written. It may not reflect how these systems work today.
Since I’m making the big (for me) sales push here in the blog so that I can continue to find business during these tough economic times, I wanted to mention a few misconceptions I've run across with regard to using the services of my company, GeoMetrick Enterprises.
Too Busy
Occasionally, people will make the statement to me that I must be super-busy because my name is fairly well-published. Thus, they will sometimes tell me that they did not call me when they needed something done because they “knew” I’d be too busy. I do try hard to publicize my company name and accomplishments so that I can continue to keep my business going and have ongoing projects. However, it does NOT guarantee this. Additionally, if I publicize my company and then you don’t call me when you need me, it defeats the purpose of the entire exercise.
I have had a few past potential customers tell me that they didn’t call me because one of my competitors said that I was too busy. Well, of course, my competitors want to sell their company’s time as much as I want to sell mine. It’s understandable they’d say that, even if it’s not an honest thing to do. But consider this: how would they know what my company’s schedule is?
Next time, just e-mail or call me. I can give you a direct answer on the availability of services for your needs. I want and need the business just as much as my competitors do.
Making Money as a Professional Writer/Speaker
Sometimes I run across people that think I’m making plenty of money as a writer and speaker due to all the articles I write and the presentations I make. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Doing some of that actually COSTS money. For example, being invited to speak at conferences costs money not just in the travel costs to attend but in the fact that it takes time from my projects.
And then, the same person will ask, “If you don’t make money at it, why do you do it?” There are a lot of reasons to write and speak for our industry. It’s supposed to be good for getting business but I'm not convinced that it's an efficient way to generate business leads. Also, I find it to be a good way to volunteer my time to our industry.
In any case, I’m not just not making a living off of doing any of this, but if you had read a previous blog from last month or so, you’ll know that I’m planning to cut back on some of it for 2011 as I’ve let it all get more expensive than I feel to be practical for my annual budget.
Bottom Line
If you have a project or other needs that would require consulting services, give me a call. It’s the only way to tell if I’m too busy. Services range from product selection and requirements gathering to implementation (I just spent all year working with LabWare V6, if that's important to you) to documentation to team leadership, to name a few.
Gloria Metrick
GeoMetrick Enterprises
http://www.GeoMetrick.com/