I tried

I tried, I honestly did...But sometimes no matter how hard one tries to do something the results don't come and one simply has to give in to failure.

This afternoon I met a sales guy from a well known home improvements company who had come to my house to discuss my needs, measure up and arrange a quote. The work is likely to cost me a significant amount of money, well over $25,000, and needs doing; it's a lot but it will improve the value of my house when complete. I say this to demonstrate that the home improvements company will make a reasonable sum of money from the job. You'd think some effort would go into the meeting, that the person would be friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and generally personable. Wrong.

From the outset the guy was argumentative, dismissive, spoke over me as I was explaining what I needed done and basically seemed more intent on denigrating the structure that was already there rather than discussing the future plan. He failed to answer my logical and well-phrased questions with substance and was generally flippant, rude and stand-offish.

I've been in sales for over twenty years and I know how it's done; and this guy ain't it! I understand how to build instant rapport, listen to hear not respond, ask questions, reflect the answers back to show understanding and all the other techniques one needs to employ to have a good chance at securing the work. So...After two failed attempts to get the meeting on track with this cock-knocker chap I began to get annoyed.

I tried to turn it around though, I promise you I did...I started thinking about nice thoughts to divert my attention from my annoyance.

As the asshole gentleman was going about the measuring process I thought about flowers and spring blossom, fluffy cats, sunny days and ice cream, fresh cut grass and the scent of vanilla, the smell of the forest after rain, all things that make me happy and calm. I even thought about boobs...Yeah, you know the G-dog is pissed off when boob-thoughts don't make him feel better! I was working up a pretty decent anger and whilst I did my utmost not to let it show...Well, it probably did. Boobs boobs boobs boobs...Think about boobs!

Nope...It didn't work at all. After about forty minutes I could take it no more and asked the guy to leave. He looked shocked.

I basically told him that his behaviour towards a potential customer was unacceptable, that his company wasn't going to get any business from me and that I'd never call them again. I was reasonably polite of course, but not totally polite. I reiterated with a firm dismissal; you can leave now mate, and I looked at the open side gate meaningfully.

He actually had the nerve to say, But I've been here for three quarters of an hour and have already done all the measurements. (This almost tipped the old G-dog over the edge). Instead, I gave him a look that conveys my intolerance to any further assfuckery and tilted my head towards the open gate in a non-verbal suggestion he should fuck off.

I'm really annoyed about how the meeting went as I now have to go through the whole process with someone else. I was a little bemused about the way that guy was also. I mean I know people have bad days, but treating a potential customer like he did is inexcusable. If a salesperson can't do the job properly, act professionally, for whatever reason then reschedule the appointment - Sales 101.

I'll call a couple other companies tomorrow and see if I can get someone better and the company from today can go without my money...I have to wonder though, how much damage is that fellow is doing to the company with his behaviour; a lot I'd say.