I'm meeting with a client and through the coarse of conversation she mentions to me that they're planning to add three energy efficient units to each of their seven facilities.
I informed her that I knew of a company that manufactures and installs these types of units, and if she was interested, I could have them contact her to submit a bid. "Absolutely", she said.
It just so happened that I had met the President of this particular company about a month before and knew that his product was a natural fit for what my client was looking for. A few days later as I was traveling past his facility, I decided to stop in to see if he had the time to meet with me to learn about this opportunity.
As I walked into the reception area, I noticed that his office was located just off to the side, and there he was, near his office door shooting the breeze with what appeared to be a sales rep. Pretty good luck, I thought. I introduced myself to the receptionists, explaining to her that I would appreciate a few minutesof Mr. So-and-so's time to inform him of a potential new business referral for his company.
She asked me to take a seat, which was in clear line of site to where the President was standing. Finally, he finished his conversation with the sales rep and walked back to his desk facing his computer on his credenza with his back to the door. The receptionist called in and said that I was here and would like a few minutes with you about referring you a new business opportunity.
Without even a hint of interest or curiosity to hear what I had to say, He replies "Tell him to make an appointment" I couldn't believe it! He couldn't give me a couple of minutes! It's not like I haven't met this guy. I wasn't looking for anything in return. I was just interested in adding some value for my client. If he happened to remember me down the road when he was planning something with his real estate, fine. But that's not why I was there.
It really blew my mind. I was seeing red! As I was leaving, I couldn't help myself, I passed his door and loudly said "I was about to refer you 21 units!"
I wonder if I sent him this story he would recognize himself. Probably not. It's really dark up there.
