Why Advertise if you won't do the work

Last year I referred a client to an Agent in Costa Mesa, because I don't know that area and that's where she wanted to live.  He blew her off, passing her to another Agent in the office, and that Agent blew her off too - he was very short with her.  So she came back to me, explaining what happened, and asked me "why did you refer me to anybody like that?  And why did they treat me like that?"  And she was serious, she wanted me to ask them why they said what they said.  It was very akward for me, and I'll never refer anybody to them again.

For some reason, people who do these type of jobs often tend to change after a while.  I had one small contractor who came recommended to me.  After a couple of jobs which they performed well, on the third job things changed.  They didn't answer calls, didn't finish the job, & didn't return keys.  I had to change the locks.

I remember the scene and I have had the experience of your post...Get in or get out!

I always say advertise only what you can or are willing to do, no more, no less. The thing of it is, you never know where "small" jobs, every much like you don't know where "big" jobs will lead you either. Being professional, courteous and doing what you advertise will lead to great things and more referrals in the future, anything less is asking for trouble.

This happens WAY too commonly, Bill & Karen. Most that appear interested have a litany of excuses why they might fail at the job - and obviously it will cost more! As you and others have noted: even the smallest job done well will likely lead to more work and referrals.
Thanks for sharing,
Bruce

I always find it diificult to find handymen for small jobs.

I have often said that I would be successful at anything, because I call people back and I show up when I say I will.  It is crazy how many people in the trades dont do either.  I respect the business that says: I'm too busy right now to take on new work but thank you.

I find the term "handiman" very confusing.  They advertise no job too small but unless you're remodeling a home, you can't even get an estimate.

There is a local company here that will give an estimate, for $350. 

HA!

That is frustrating and I have similar experiences with finding someone to do a lot of little jobs around my own property.

Too many people use the line " No job too small " it has become cliche'  If you talk the talk you better ....    They should have referred you to someone else, but ONLY if it was outside their area of expertise., Otherwise they should have lived up to what thay advertised and done the small job.

Bill, Karen, in a small town of 1000 if they don't respond, it's easy for them to lose business and repeat business! Not a good idea! (and yes, why to advertise?)

If I have to turn down work, I do. Otherwise, my promise is absolut barring emergencies. 

You are so spot on... as agents we really do a lot for clients that's not technically in our "job description" but we do it to help and because it's a form of giving forward. You'll always get something back in the end.

What can I say. Some people think once you advertise that they shouldn't have to do any work I guess.

Bill and Karen: Very nice post. It is frustating when you have to spend hours trying to track down someone that will help you with a project. 

Hi Bill & Karen. Yes, How well I remember that scene by Ms. Roberts. "Big Mistake, Huge Mistake" I thought I would share the clip from YouTube.

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Great post, but sadly, some people are just flat out lazy, causing them to miss out on big opportunities.