Expect The Un-Expected
I recently got a great lesson in why you should always expect the UN-expected.
Let me set the stage.
In a recent newsletter I talked about how sometimes it’s OK to use a little “vinegar” to get your way.
You know the old saying about catching more flies with honey than with vinegar, right??
Just to recap…
The used car I purchased several months back was missing floor mats. I got the run around and a case of “the nasty’s” from the dealership. My attitude went from positive to negative. My honey was put away and the vinegar came out.
I got my floor mats!
Now, the UN-expected…
My wife and I own a rental house in South Philly. This is the last one. When we lived in Philly we had two in addition to the home we lived in.
The tenants went “lame” a couple months back. They just don’t feel as though they should have to pay rent.
Naturally, that’s a problem.
So how do you get dead beat tenants out?
You write a check to a PA attorney and he makes them go away after a couple of months.
When I called him to get the ball rolling he told me what I would need on my end.
Crap! I was missing something so I sent my license renewal to the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Two months went by.
I heard nothing. More free rent for the tenants…great!!
Knowing I was going the be in Philly at a book marketing event I decided to head down town one morning and see if I can take care of this.
Honestly, I deserve a smack because I was hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.
When you’re dealing with a big city – it’s natural to think you may end up in some bureaucratic mess.
But you know what…
I got nothing but honey.
Of course, even though I was prepared and somewhat expecting the worst I went in with a good attitude.
“Hellos” were in order for every city worker I came in contact with.
What did I get?
The royal treatment!
The sweet lady behind the counter was wonderful.
She laughed and admitted, “when you do this by mail it can take a while!” She went on…
“But, you’re here so let’s get this done right.”
I walked out with what I needed. Wow!
As I made my walk from downtown Philly back to South Philly I reflected.
First…
Being a business owner I was perplexed how I could be treated so poorly and with such apathy at a “private” car dealership. Compared to being made to feel like I was the most important person in the building while dealing with, possibly, one of the the most bureaucratic places on the planet.
My conclusion??
It comes down to people.
My lesson?
Expect the UN-Expected and always go in with a good attitude.
Then, of course be prepared to roll with the punches.
The internet's number one autoblogging solutions.