When Is a Time You Did Something on a Whim, and It Worked Out?

Back in ‘88 a neighbor recommended that I join a business networking group, and on a whim I agreed. However, not long after I committed I began to worry. I was intimidated by the setting, the number of people in attendance, and the topic: sales and marketing, something I felt completely in the dark about. And I was terrified of public speaking, which was required for 10 minutes if I was to attend!

In business for barely two years at this point, Camelot approached marketing mainly through word of mouth coupled with the little advertising we could afford. My style of sales could be described as “show up at a prospect’s home in a clean shirt, write them a quote, wait for them to call.” I didn’t even make follow-up calls! I knew nothing about connecting beyond an initial greeting and even less about perceiving my customer’s main moving concerns. I just pretty much figured they needed a mover to get them from here to there.

It did not take long for me to realize I was about to get quite an education at these weekly meetings. I met with experienced local entrepreneurs from various fields: a lender, an insurance agent, a plumber, an electrician, a lawyer, a florist, a realtor, and others. They talked about the process of client care and the importance of listening and seeking to understand people and their priorities. I had no idea that you could “meter” a conversation, i.e., adjust your pace of speaking to the specific pace that makes each individual customer most comfortable. And don’t get me started on how long it took me to learn that some people want to get to know you personally and then are good with a handshake deal, no need to discuss the numbers; while others want to cut through the pleasantries and get right to the numbers! As a matter of fact, one of our first warehouse leases for our storage services was “a handshake lease” that we made with a wonderful, warm gentleman who's family we ultimately moved a couple times!

I could not have foreseen how taking that impromptu step would help train and educate me in running a business in areas ranging from sales & marketing to philanthropy, a key part of our commitment to community. 

Whether speaking face-to-face in a group setting or to one person, such as when I provide a personal moving quote, the communication—and therefore the commitment and obligation—is personal. I know it’s personal when I hear clients thank Camelot for taking care of their mom, their kids, or their best friend. These expressions of gratitude mean that this company and our crew members are part of a human network that extends well beyond our hometown. 

Just this year, we moved three individuals and their families who were members of that very first networking group I joined on a whim back in ’88, 35 years ago! And so much has happened as result of acting on that whim.

When have you acted on a whim?