Busy in Nov/Dec!

[Clyde Hollinger]

Phil Rook and all,

As I probably said before, one of the features my clients seem to like best is
that I call with a reminder when the tuning is due.  That's a plus for me, too.
It helps keep my schedule more regular.  I do send an appointment card within a
week of the appointment also.

I give the regular clients scheduling priority, which means the new ones
sometimes have to wait a while.  I am planning to take one more new client for
February, then we'll be into March.  I'm surprised they are often willing to
wait that long.  Some tell me, "Well, you come with high recommendations, and I
wouldn't know who else to call anyway, so I guess I'll just wait."  Always makes
me smile.  (SPS, I know.)  I think taking time to converse with the client about
the piano and its needs goes a long way in customer relations.

When it comes to pricing my worth I may be a little more timid than you, Phil.
I am a good technician, but I know I'm not the best, so I try to stay in the
midrange somewhere.

One more thing.  I sometimes get too busy.  I work against that by tuning only
four days a week in general.  I would also like to give myself four weeks of
vacation, but it rarely works out that way.  I am elated that between Christmas
and New Year's I have only two appointments!

Regards, Clyde

Phil Bondi wrote:

> Terry, congrats on being busy and liking it. Dan Reed offers some good
> advice as far as 'trying' to keep the ones you service. I don't send out
> reminder cards..I prefer to call them. I think it offers a more personal
> touch. I'm rather new to this profession myself. I am finding out that most
> people LIKE to be reminded. Of course, there will always be the ones who
> say, "yes, please call me" .. you call them and they don't respond. They may
> not have responded this time, but in doing that, you are doing your
> job(IMH). They may call you in the future.
>
> I will pass on to you and the list some common sense advice my Dad gave me
> when I started in this business..he was in his own business for 22
> years.."Do good work..get top dollar..you'll always be busy."
>
> Terry, I'm not bashful when it comes to pricing my worth, and I'm as busy as
> I can be. I may not be the 'best' in my area(by my own judgement), but I am
> prompt and courtious. In most cases, you can set your watch by my
> appointment time with my customers.
>
> It sounds like you're doing the 'little' things right..if that's the case,
> get ready and be prepared(as much as you can) for the bigger things..they're
> right around the corner for you.
>
> Roo(k)