Flying solo
Yesterday was quite a day because I had a couple of "firsts." It was the first time I have ever had my shoes shined. Growing up, I never really had any "fancy" shoes that required shining (at least that I can remember). If they needed I shine, I didn't do it. My dad had the stuff to shine shoes, but that stuff was usually only broken out to accent a halloween costume and not for its intended purpose. Good thing was that Shoe Shine Freddy came to my office to shine my shoes! I really like this convenience as I can continue to work while my shoes are being shined...no need to stop billing. Another convenience that I really enjoy is that I have a tailor that comes to my office as well, so if I need any clothes, I don't have to go to the store or order anything online any more...this is sweeeeet. Simple things seem to give me the greatest pleasure; besides, I'm easily entertained.
Also, I had my first client meeting in which I was the one running the show with no support. I got an email from the partner last week that indicated we were going over to the client site for a meeting and that I was to schedule it, which I did. I communicated with the client, got everything arranged, and told the partner the day and time of the meeting. He also told me it was a "suit client," which meant I had to wear a suit (which I'm not too thrilled to do). I changed into my suit at noon, ready for the 1PM meeting, and waited until it came close to the time to leave. As it approached 1, I couldn't find the partner...not in his office, nothing else scheduled, secretary doesn't know his whereabouts. So at 5 'til, I send the partner an email asking what time we are going to be leaving (because I know he has a blackberry so he should get the email instantly). No response. I continue to wait. At 10 after, the client calls me and says "don't we have a meeting scheduled at 1?" Of course we do, and I told the client I was waiting for the partner, at which point the client told me that it was their understanding that I was doing the meeting by myself.
Now, this is the sort of thing that would normally keep me awake all night the night before going over everything in exhaustive detail so I don't screw up because I don't have a second opinion by someone else with me. Nope. This came as a total surprise that I was being entrusted to represent the firm by myself. I guess maybe it shouldn't surprise me, but it was definately a weird feeling. In the cab ride over, I was just flipping through (in my head) what was going to be discussed because I didn't have the materials. I was also trying to convince myself that if I wanted them to believe what I was going to say that I'd have to say it with conviction and believe it myself. The meeting went fine, and I reported back to the partner as to what happened. In the end, the meeting was just another meeting, but to me it was personally a huge step for me in my career because it showed me that (at least) this partner has enough trust in my ability to do this myself. I'm really glad it happened this way so I didn't have any time to think about being nervous, and it ended up flowing very smoothly. It also has given me the confidence that I know I can do this again in the future without any assistance.
Now it's time to get my ear to the grindstone again.
Cheers!
Also, I had my first client meeting in which I was the one running the show with no support. I got an email from the partner last week that indicated we were going over to the client site for a meeting and that I was to schedule it, which I did. I communicated with the client, got everything arranged, and told the partner the day and time of the meeting. He also told me it was a "suit client," which meant I had to wear a suit (which I'm not too thrilled to do). I changed into my suit at noon, ready for the 1PM meeting, and waited until it came close to the time to leave. As it approached 1, I couldn't find the partner...not in his office, nothing else scheduled, secretary doesn't know his whereabouts. So at 5 'til, I send the partner an email asking what time we are going to be leaving (because I know he has a blackberry so he should get the email instantly). No response. I continue to wait. At 10 after, the client calls me and says "don't we have a meeting scheduled at 1?" Of course we do, and I told the client I was waiting for the partner, at which point the client told me that it was their understanding that I was doing the meeting by myself.
Now, this is the sort of thing that would normally keep me awake all night the night before going over everything in exhaustive detail so I don't screw up because I don't have a second opinion by someone else with me. Nope. This came as a total surprise that I was being entrusted to represent the firm by myself. I guess maybe it shouldn't surprise me, but it was definately a weird feeling. In the cab ride over, I was just flipping through (in my head) what was going to be discussed because I didn't have the materials. I was also trying to convince myself that if I wanted them to believe what I was going to say that I'd have to say it with conviction and believe it myself. The meeting went fine, and I reported back to the partner as to what happened. In the end, the meeting was just another meeting, but to me it was personally a huge step for me in my career because it showed me that (at least) this partner has enough trust in my ability to do this myself. I'm really glad it happened this way so I didn't have any time to think about being nervous, and it ended up flowing very smoothly. It also has given me the confidence that I know I can do this again in the future without any assistance.
Now it's time to get my ear to the grindstone again.
Cheers!
posted by Rocco @ 9:45 AM
1 Comments:
At 10:35 AM,
Ryan said…
I have only had my shoes shined once. I was in Mexico for a wedding and I had nothing to do before the wedding. I was waiting on other people (my wife) and decided that my shoes looked a little ratty and could use a shine. I went down to the local mercado and found several street vendors with all of the appropriate tools and an english newspaper for me to read while I waited. I think the total cost was 10 pesos, to which I added another 10 pesos as a tip. We were both pleased with the outcome.
Congrats on your first client meeting.... glad it went well.
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