Doing the right thing

[GerardoG]

Well, Tuesday starts with airports...

[GerardoG]

A quick stop for coffee (already had breakfast) and answer some emails...

[Kneecough]

Let's see where the day takes us...

[cop414]

We're watching G, safe travels!

[cdmorenot]

The Gas gauge is blocked - I wonder if you're running on fumes this time too :)

Safe Travels Sir!

[GerardoG]

As I have some time with my TRF family, let me explain: we have a customer that we visit monthly on a consulting contract, but honestly, even though money is 'ok' (not a big account by any means, it covers expenses and a bit more) it does take time and, over the last years, our advice goes nowhere...I feel like we are in a 'we visit, you pay us, we tell you what to do, you do nothing' circle, which is, at least to me, disappointing.

After a lot of thought, it seems to me that best thing to do is to 'fire' them, and have better use for our time. In the past, I had a 'every penny counts' attitude, but as I grow older my priorities have changed. A few hours on the road, will be back tonight.

Oddly, I am not hesitating or have uneasy feelings about this. Not everything revolves around money IMHO.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Kneecough

Let's see where the day takes us...

Nothing fancy (as I just posted), but will take TRF along...as always!

Originally Posted by cop414

We're watching G, safe travels!

Gracias

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

The Gas gauge is blocked - I wonder if you're running on fumes this time too :)

Safe Travels Sir!

not this time! Filled her up yesterday!

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

I feel like we are in a 'we visit, you pay us, we tell you what to do, you do nothing' circle, which is, at least to me, disappointing.

Oddly, I am not hesitating or have uneasy feelings about this. Not everything revolves around money IMHO.

You are 100% right, often times, the most rewarding thing about our careers isn't the money but our contributions. Couple of years ago I received a call from a client who was desperate, he was losing a ton of money at the hands of fraudsters, I spent many hours trying to design a process that would help him even though from day one, he told me he could not afford my services. I wanted to help him anyway... He reduced his losses and is still in business. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, another client had the same issue, paid my consulting fees and my software fees six months in advance, in full. They have yet to implement my recommendations and systems.

I felt like I lost money on the job that actually paid me because I wasted my time - I am at a point in life in which I really just want to make a difference.

Anyway, this is your post, I do not mean to jack it, I am eager to see what you've got coming up next and of course, the meals!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

You are 100% right, often times, the most rewarding thing about our careers isn't the money but our contributions. Couple of years ago I received a call from a client who was desperate, he was losing a ton of money at the hands of fraudsters, I spent many hours trying to design a process that would help him even though from day one, he told me he could not afford my services. I wanted to help him anyway... He reduced his losses and is still in business. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, another client had the same issue, paid my consulting fees and my software fees six months in advance, in full. They have yet to implement my recommendations and systems.

I felt like I lost money on the job that actually paid me because I wasted my time - I am at a point in life in which I really just want to make a difference.

Anyway, this is your post, I do not mean to jack it, I am eager to see what you've got coming up next and of course, the meals!

Hello Carlos. Not my post, just sharing with the TRF family. I guess that, by not seeing anything happen and with a very modest fee, it feels wrong. If our services made a difference and changes were in place, it would make sense, even if the funds were not there, but so many months and no change...

As far as meals, likely just airport food. Jobsite is a good drive from airport, so just going back ands forth will take 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Anyway, I will post....as usual!

[mjclark32]

Sorry to hear they're not listening to the advice. Maybe give them the ultimatum that if they don't start to incorporate your hard work within the next 3-6 months (?), then you'll be "firing" them?

On another note, I visited my first two centurion lounges DFW and SFO over the past two weeks. Wow, makes traveling much more enjoyable. Also, used the priority pass to get me and the Mrs into another club in LAX. Maybe, I'll be paying the fee longer than I thought...

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

As I have some time with my TRF family, let me explain: we have a customer that we visit monthly on a consulting contract, but honestly, even though money is 'ok' (not a big account by any means, it covers expenses and a bit more) it does take time and, over the last years, our advice goes nowhere...I feel like we are in a 'we visit, you pay us, we tell you what to do, you do nothing' circle, which is, at least to me, disappointing.

After a lot of thought, it seems to me that best thing to do is to 'fire' them, and have better use for our time. In the past, I had a 'every penny counts' attitude, but as I grow older my priorities have changed. A few hours on the road, will be back tonight.

Oddly, I am not hesitating or have uneasy feelings about this. Not everything revolves around money IMHO.

I have clients like that. In my case, they just don't believe what I'm suggesting to them can work, and they don't have the patience to put it in place and let it take hold.

I'm just starting out, so I'm not in a position to "fire" any clients yet, but hope to get there at some point so my work can make a difference.

Back on topic...have a safe trip.

[superdog]

Interesting.

Let us know how that goes. If love to "fire" some accounts.

But I'm in the every penny counts mode. Sitting in the Delta Sky Club that my Amex got me into for free.

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by superdog

Interesting.

Let us know how that goes. If love to "fire" some accounts.

But I'm in the every penny counts mode. Sitting in the Delta Sky Club that my Amex got me into for free.

How'd you get into the DSC? I thought they discontinued their relationship with Amex?

[superdog]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

How'd you get into the DSC? I thought they discontinued their relationship with Amex?

I thought so too. Apparently, from what I was told, they are the only ones that accept it.

I was dejected and ready to walk out when he asked if I had a platinum. I was only there 40 minutes, but I was still pumped.

[GerardoG]

En route to jobsite...

[GerardoG]

Business discussed over lunch. Mexico style. Tequila. Beer. Ceviche. Habanero sauce

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Sorry to hear they're not listening to the advice. Maybe give them the ultimatum that if they don't start to incorporate your hard work within the next 3-6 months (?), then you'll be "firing" them?

On another note, I visited my first two centurion lounges DFW and SFO over the past two weeks. Wow, makes traveling much more enjoyable. Also, used the priority pass to get me and the Mrs into another club in LAX. Maybe, I'll be paying the fee longer than I thought...

Centurion lounges make a big difference, but the service is not standard. If you visit Centurion in Latin America (Mexico, Argentina) you will be blown away. DFW, SFO, LAS are a far cry away.

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

I have clients like that. In my case, they just don't believe what I'm suggesting to them can work, and they don't have the patience to put it in place and let it take hold.

I'm just starting out, so I'm not in a position to "fire" any clients yet, but hope to get there at some point so my work can make a difference.

Back on topic...have a safe trip.

Gracias. Well, topic was discussed, they have a few weeks to think about it.

Originally Posted by superdog

Interesting.

Let us know how that goes. If love to "fire" some accounts.

But I'm in the every penny counts mode. Sitting in the Delta Sky Club that my Amex got me into for free.

Wait...what? SkyCkub and Amex? do tell!

Originally Posted by mjclark32

How'd you get into the DSC? I thought they discontinued their relationship with Amex?

X2

Originally Posted by superdog

I thought so too. Apparently, from what I was told, they are the only ones that accept it.

I was dejected and ready to walk out when he asked if I had a platinum. I was only there 40 minutes, but I was still pumped.

Really? All Delta or just Atlanta?

[GerardoG]

Back at airport...

[superdog]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Centurion lounges make a big difference, but the service is not standard. If you visit Centurion in Latin America (Mexico, Argentina) you will be blown away. DFW, SFO, LAS are a far cry away.

Gracias. Well, topic was discussed, they have a few weeks to think about it.

Wait...what? SkyCkub and Amex? do tell!


X2

Really? All Delta or just Atlanta?

Sounded to me like all of Delta. Tgat part of the trip was Newark on my way to Atlanta. I'm now in Virginia.

I fly out of Tennessee Thursday after meetings and miles of driving tomorrow.

I'll be sure to give it a try and let you guys know.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Back at airport...

How did it all go?

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

As I have some time with my TRF family, let me explain: we have a customer that we visit monthly on a consulting contract, but honestly, even though money is 'ok' (not a big account by any means, it covers expenses and a bit more) it does take time and, over the last years, our advice goes nowhere...I feel like we are in a 'we visit, you pay us, we tell you what to do, you do nothing' circle, which is, at least to me, disappointing.

After a lot of thought, it seems to me that best thing to do is to 'fire' them, and have better use for our time. In the past, I had a 'every penny counts' attitude, but as I grow older my priorities have changed. A few hours on the road, will be back tonight.

Oddly, I am not hesitating or have uneasy feelings about this. Not everything revolves around money IMHO.

Now listen Gerrardo, there is no need to take this attitude! You don't have to fire me! I said I was going to take your advice.... but... well.... investing in 8-track players? Do you really think they're making a comeback?

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by superdog

Sounded to me like all of Delta. Tgat part of the trip was Newark on my way to Atlanta. I'm now in Virginia.

I fly out of Tennessee Thursday after meetings and miles of driving tomorrow.

I'll be sure to give it a try and let you guys know.

Please do!

Originally Posted by superdog

How did it all go?

Well, facts were laid out, they have a nice contract (way to inexpensive as we wanted to assist on upcoming jobs, but we have been waiting for those jobs for 2 years), so if there is no plan to move forward we have to make some significant changes or just call it quits. Proposed to wrap up '15 as is and define what to do as of 1/1/16.

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Now listen Gerrardo, there is no need to take this attitude! You don't have to fire me! I said I was going to take your advice.... but... well.... investing in 8-track players? Do you really think they're making a comeback?

Paul, the Apple Watch is nonsense! 8 tracks are back, baby MP3/MP4....pffft


Investment needs to be made on Bic pens as well! Those cassettes have to be wound! This is the future!!!!

Oh, and I just heard about something called Beta...poor DVDs have no chance...

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

As I have some time with my TRF family, let me explain: we have a customer that we visit monthly on a consulting contract, but honestly, even though money is 'ok' (not a big account by any means, it covers expenses and a bit more) it does take time and, over the last years, our advice goes nowhere...I feel like we are in a 'we visit, you pay us, we tell you what to do, you do nothing' circle, which is, at least to me, disappointing.

After a lot of thought, it seems to me that best thing to do is to 'fire' them, and have better use for our time. In the past, I had a 'every penny counts' attitude, but as I grow older my priorities have changed. A few hours on the road, will be back tonight.

Oddly, I am not hesitating or have uneasy feelings about this. Not everything revolves around money IMHO.

I get this a lot. Technical consultation routinely sought, and routinely ignored for no apparent reason. It can be quite frustrating to invest a lot of effort in projects that you know are going nowhere.

However, billable time is not time wasted... It may not be personally fulfilling to feel ignored, but the customer is permitted to assess your advice and choose the option that fits his objectives, no?

Maybe now that you've broached the subject they will find a way to use your services in a more positive and interactive way. Best wishes for an improved arrangement with your customer.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

I get this a lot. Technical consultation routinely sought, and routinely ignored for no apparent reason. It can be quite frustrating to invest a lot of effort in projects that you know are going nowhere.

However, billable time is not time wasted... It may not be personally fulfilling to feel ignored, but the customer is permitted to assess your advice and choose the option that fits his objectives, no?

Maybe now that you've broached the subject they will find a way to use your services in a more positive and interactive way. Best wishes for an improved arrangement with your customer.

Thank you for your comments and wishes. Personally, it is frustrating to program this trip every month and ask yourself 'what for'.

[sea-dweller]

Very nice!

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by superdog

I thought so too. Apparently, from what I was told, they are the only ones that accept it.

I was dejected and ready to walk out when he asked if I had a platinum. I was only there 40 minutes, but I was still pumped.

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Centurion lounges make a big difference, but the service is not standard. If you visit Centurion in Latin America (Mexico, Argentina) you will be blown away. DFW, SFO, LAS are a far cry away.

Gracias. Well, topic was discussed, they have a few weeks to think about it.

Wait...what? SkyCkub and Amex? do tell!


X2

Really? All Delta or just Atlanta?

Directly off of the Delta website:
I usually fly American/US Air, so it doesn't matter much to me, but good to know!

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...club-faqs.html
FAQ:
I HAVE THE AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM® CHARGE CARD. DO I HAVE ACCESS TO DELTA SKY CLUB?
American Express Platinum Charge Card members have access to the Delta Sky Clubs in conjunction with same-day travel on a flight operated by Delta. This does not include Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardholders.

[mjclark32]

Also says it on the Amex website. Guess I should have looked sooner!
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...ccess/platinum
I used the priority pass at LAX to get into an Alaska airways lounge which was decent too

sorry to hijack the thread Gerardo!

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Also says it on the Amex website. Guess I should have looked sooner!
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...ccess/platinum
I used the priority pass at LAX to get into an Alaska airways lounge which was decent too

sorry to hijack the thread Gerardo!

Ill check it out next time im in LAX rather than going into the centurion lounge.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by sea-dweller

Very nice!

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Directly off of the Delta website:
I usually fly American/US Air, so it doesn't matter much to me, but good to know!

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...club-faqs.html
FAQ:
I HAVE THE AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM® CHARGE CARD. DO I HAVE ACCESS TO DELTA SKY CLUB?
American Express Platinum Charge Card members have access to the Delta Sky Clubs in conjunction with same-day travel on a flight operated by Delta. This does not include Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardholders.

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Also says it on the Amex website. Guess I should have looked sooner!
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...ccess/platinum
I used the priority pass at LAX to get into an Alaska airways lounge which was decent too

sorry to hijack the thread Gerardo!

No hijack at all! Very useful information; gracias!!!!

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

Ill check it out next time im in LAX rather than going into the centurion lounge.

I will read the details to see if there are any other available.

[returntorolex]

Hey, this is my 1000th post!