I’ve realized that there is one thing in life we all require and that is the ability to be constantly learning. Not sure about you but I find myself forgetting lessons that I’ve learned earlier in life and having to relearn them all over again.
I suppose that is a normal cycle of life, but I thought given some of these lessons that they would have been etched hard into my psyche…
I guess the big one for me is that words don’t necessarily lead to action. Many people say things, make promises but then don’t live up to them. Not surprising that albeit we try and place our trust in people or institutions, their actions speak louder than their words.
And until we see the actual action they are just empty words.
Cynical you might say to this. Perhaps, but it’s a hard lesson no matter how much we want to believe in the words, they aren’t real until they are followed up with the actions associated with them. How many times do we have to learn this lesson before it sinks in?
Sometimes our receptors pick up on our wishful thinking and tie them to reality, only to be dissuaded when there is no follow through.
It may be the smallest of promises, but it is a sign that trust must be earned not given without evidence of action. I find myself disappointed, both at the situation when actions aren’t followed up by words, but more so that I trusted the situation in the first place.
Hope is not real! It’s our mind at work, and with the best of intentions, but it can easily fool us if we’re not vigilant and a little sceptical.
This level of constantly learning has been tested mightily with my photography business. Often, I have potential clients who want to book our services ask for the contract and invoice only to be let down when they don’t follow through. Irrespective of follow up they go completely silent.
Super frustrating as it takes time and effort to nurture leads, interact with them to answer all their questions, respond with the creating of a contract and invoice then it send it to them, in some cases with additional materials that they have requested, only for them to never respond.
I’m constantly learning that nothing is guaranteed…
I realize this is a part of doing business, but frustrating in the lack of respect or flakiness of these situations. The very least they could do is to let me know they don’t wish to proceed versus disappearing into a void of uncertainty.
The thing I’ve learned is that not everyone is so inclined to communicate or respond in situations like this.
I’m not sure if they are scared of the fact that they changed their mind and don’t want to tell me or that they really just don’t give a shit?
Anyone in business would tell you that they would rather the unvarnished truth versus no response.
Although a non-response is by its very definition a response it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. This is particularly true when you’re paying for leads. The cost of this non-response is high in terms of time, effort and money.
Interestingly, I’ve had similar situations with our recent move and purchasing new furniture. After choosing the items, making full payment and receiving a delivery date nothing has materialized…
I’m having to then follow up with the company to find out what’s going on.
I find it mind boggling that they feel zero accountability for follow up or that an order has not been fulfilled. After, in some cases endless time on a phone trying to get a straight answer new promises are made, but again not followed up on.
Delivery dates come and go with no action. The blame seemingly placed on others “oh the carrier didn’t get your confirmation’, but after researching their claims never received any correspondence from the company. I guess it’s easy to blame someone else for your the lack to follow through.
To me this type of situation is becoming more prevalent in general – where is the accountability?
More so how did we get this situation? And importantly, why do we have to keep constantly learning this lesson over and over again.
Trust in a brand, or indeed a person is tenuous at best in my mind. I realize I’m ranting and a tad cynical… okay more than a tad, but c’mon.
Have we truly lost the ability to actually follow through and communicate? Even if we change our minds how hard is it to just tell the truth and let them know.
What are we afraid of? Hurting someone’s feelings…
It hurts a lot more when there is zero communication or response. Perhaps its a sign of our times but it’s a trend (ghosting) that I don’t particularly care for.
Take a moment to think about your words and actions. Do they align? Do you follow through on your words with actions? How does this sync with your values and beliefs when it comes to follow through and communicating?
Food for thought my friends…
Until next week.
Ciao!
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