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Pleasing unpleasable people

By
Home Inspector with Osborne Inspections

Have you heard the story about the old man, the boy, and the donkey?

There was an old man, a boy and a donkey going to market. The boy was riding on the donkey, and the old man was walking beside. As they passed some people along the way, they overheard one say that it was a shame that the boy rode while the old man walked. The boy and old man decided that they were correct and switched positions.

Later down the road, they passed by another group of people. They overheard them saying that it was
terrible that the old man forced the boy to walk. So, the old man and the boy decided that they should
both walk.

Later, they passed by some more people who commented how silly it was for both the boy and the old
man to walk when they had a donkey to ride. The boy and old man agreed, and they both jumped on the
donkey and continued down the road both riding the donkey.

They then passed some people who said that having both riding the donkey was too much of a burden on
the animal. The boy and the old man agreed and decided to both carry the donkey down the rode instead
of riding it.

As they crossed a small bridge that spanned a river, they lost their grip on the donkey. The donkey fell
into the river and drowned.

The moral of the story is, "If you try to please everyone, you might as well kiss your ass goodbye."

You can't please everyone. You can't appeal to everyone. You can't serve everyone. You do not need
to be in business for everyone. You should only work with those clients who are ideal for your business.

Show All Comments Sort:
Brian Wright
BeagleNation Real Estate Investments - Chandler, AZ

That's a great story!

You are correct, we need to create our business to attract our ideal client and not settle for anyone who wants to wave a dollar at us. Some customers are simply not worth the time and effort, and will ultimately be a drain.

Thanks for sharing!

Nov 03, 2010 05:40 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Wesley, this is  a pretty good one. And if you try to please everyone, you are a donkey, a stubborn donkey (LOL)

Nov 03, 2010 05:41 PM
Tni LeBlanc, RealtorĀ®, J.D.
Mint Properties, Lic. #01871795 - Santa Maria, CA
Tenacious Tni (805) 878-9879

I love this story and will definitely use it.  The sentiment is true, you have to find your center and sometimes wait for the folks that love you to find you.  I don't want every client.  I want clients that love how I am.  I'm not for every person though!

Nov 03, 2010 05:48 PM
Sherilyn M. Whistler
ERA Herman Group Real Estate-NoCo - Loveland, CO
Need a Referral, Call Me !

That was hysterical ! It had me rolling on the floor.. well not literally but almost!!

Nov 03, 2010 05:52 PM
Brad Rachielles
CENTURY 21 Peak, Ca BRE# 01489453 - Upland, CA
REALTOR, CDPE, Upland, CA

Agreed. Pretty soon you start to appear as the ass if you try to please everyone.

Nov 03, 2010 05:53 PM
Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

Oh is that ever correct.  It is a great story and I will pass it on.

Nov 03, 2010 06:45 PM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

I decided years ago, that it's impossible to please everyone.

Nov 03, 2010 07:44 PM
Kathy Schowe
California Lifestyle Realty - La Quinta, CA
La Quinta, California 760-333-8886

I have these clients... I call the Bickersons... and they are unpleasable!  Thanks for your post!!

We have a common neighbor-- Andy Williams lives around the corner from me here in La Quinta!  Wish he would spend more time here-- love playing golf with his wife Debbie!  Kathy

Nov 28, 2010 05:52 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Wesley - I guess I should have seen the punchline coming.  Thanks for the story, it's certainly worth sharing. 

Nov 29, 2010 01:42 AM