People -- Best Part of the Business

[Clyde Hollinger]

Dave,

There will always be those who equate the amount of time you spend with
the quality of work they think they are receiving.  I assure you that my
current 45-minute tunings are much better than my two-hour tunings were
when I started in the business.

Once in a while someone will comment after a tuning, "That was fast!"  I
usually reply, "Yes, that went very smoothly this time," or, "I do make
an effort to work efficiently."  And of course I will take time to talk
if they wish.  Working efficiently hasn't decreased the referrals I
receive.

Regards,
Clyde

Dave Davis wrote:

> Hi All,
> I'm a newbie who took the Randy Potter course about a
> year ago (no, I haven't received feedback or a
> diploma, either).
>
> One of the early customers I gave a beginning tuning
> for commented that the last guy had only been there
> for about 45 minutes. I remember thinking to myself
> "gee, you're really gonna like me because I'll be at
> least 2 hours!". I'm pretty sure my tuning wasn't as
> good, but I fixed the damper pedal that didn't work
> and enjoyed visiting with them. They were satisfied
> and have referred others to me.
>
> I agree with Allen that meeting the customers and
> making the piano play and sound better is a wonderful
> part of the business.  I include 10-15 minutes in my
> appointment just in case the customer is chatty.  If
> there is no chatting, I use the time to make the piano
> a better instrument.