IT'S ONLY TEMPORARY, BUT WHAT YOU GAIN COULD LAST
Some years ago I had to go to work for a temp agency during a period of necessity to do such. Yeah, it's during those times that you realize that your necessity is bigger than your "over-qualified egotistical-self", and you do what you have to. Actually, over the years, I've worked for several temp companies, and as a result, I made many friends and lasting connections. Every office that sent me on assignments was owned and/or managed by some of the most dynamic and inspiring business women that I've ever met. I watched their management styles, personalities and interactions, and learned much "how-to" and "how-not-to" information from them. The recognition and respect was mutual as I did my best to always show up on time and do the best job I could with my given responsibilities, regardless of how trivial and unworthy of my time they may have seemed.
I remember having a fairly long stint at a local office of a major corporation that housed administrative assistance and support for the agents that worked in that region. I did my "part" to provide sustainability to these men and women every day. Even though there was a vast gap between my ability and skill and the job description, I never did less than was needed or expected. I showed up like I was just as "important" as everybody else, tried to "bloom" where I was planted for the moment.
HIDDEN BENEFITS
Anyway, a couple of these agents, who at the time were ranked in the top five of sales reps in their entire company, approached me to do some personal appointment setting for them, outside of the daily office work. One offered me more money than the other, so I decided to give it a shot, going to work for the one who offered the better pay. Appointment setting may sound pretty intimidating or boring depending on who you are, but with this particular opportunity, if you had the skills, it wasn't the kind of pay anyone would say no to. I have tons of sales background and experience, so I was ready.
The agent I chose to work these extra hours for was sophisticated, savvy and as smart as they come. She trained me to understand the product, the process, her goals and how to help us both achieve them. This was more than just appointment setting: I was getting yet another opportunity to "bank" some awesome additional skills in selling, people persuasion and business from this woman. All I had to do was make calls, chat with people for a while, ask the extremely important and vital "qualifying" questions, and set the appointment if the client met the affordability qualifications. Wow. I was making money AND learning new and helpful skill sets!
It wasn't just a "piece of cake", but I kept thinking about what she was paying me, and that kept me very motivated. She even commented that I did the job as well as she did, and believe me, I was quite complimented when she said that. She was driven, a real dynamo. She had my admiration, for she did NONE of this at the expense of being a "lady". She was living well, driving a very nice car, classy in dress and demeanor, and was as kind as could be. She often brought her beautiful, snow- white miniature poodle, hair bows and all, with her to the office. You get the picture. She radiated success, the kind that is real, and the kind that is softly pretentious. She had it "together". I learned everything I could from her, and it was well worth it.
TIME IS MONEY. MONEY IS TIME. OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
One evening when I was making appointments for her, I had engaged a woman on the phone and was telling her all about the product we were offering. She wasn't all that interested, but was nice enough to listen to me anyway. I understood why as I began to ask her the most critical "qualifying" question, which was the "deal breaker" if I didn't get the right answer.
For most people, this was a very expensive commitment. So, once everything was explained to her in detail, I asked, in so many words, if she and her husband could afford it. She laughed, then she said, "Honey, we have so much money that we would never run out, even if we lived forever." SAY WHAT?! That really got my attention. No more talk about me. No more talk about this product. My curiosity was out of control. I needed to know HOW that could be possible. So I said, "Really. What industry are you in?" Without much explanation, she told me that they were in the airline industry, and with quite a bit of longevity to match. "Ohhhhhh, I see," I thought to myself. After another minute of casual talk, I thanked her for time, let her go, and most certainly knew that she didn't need my help.
The conversation is still as clear in my mind as it was that day, though. Most people would have said that they had enough money to "last a lifetime", but this woman said to last "forever". She obviously knew that they had A LOT of money, but I couldn't help wondering if she really understood the concept of "forever". That's a long time, a very, very long time. Right now I even wonder if the MONEY vs. "FOREVER" theory got impacted by the chain of events that have so adversely affected the airline industry since Nine-Eleven, or if they knew, unfortunately, Bernie Madoff. I'm just saying, some things will make you see "forever" much more clearly. Yes, indeed.
FILE IT UNDER "LESSONS"
What did I learn from all of this? If I had not squeezed my "I don't want to file and answer phones" ego down to reality, I would have missed out on some great lessons and professional relationships from that temp job, and the others, too. Am I craving another temp assignment? ABSOLUTELY NOT, but am I open to what I can and MUST learn from seemingly uneventful situations? YES, ALL THE TIME! I gained valuable insights and education, the kind that make you more professional and powerful at whatever you do.
And, just what did I learn from the lady with the unusual concept of time and money? Although I am sure that they more than likely still have plenty of money, I would say this: "Remember, you can be UP in the air today, but "GROUNDED" tomorrow." Yes, WE ALL have our lessons to learn.
S.R.F.
Silver Rae Fox
Don't Make Excuses. Make it happen!
Email: SilverRaeFox@gmail.com
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