Maybe this time works? Probably this day? And a note about Transactional.

Hello All,

I am blogging my general experiences with the joys, questions, and sometimes a dash of confusion that happens with this industry.

If I blog, all anonymity will obviously be used.

Yesterday, I had a bit of a situation that left me with a huh at the end of my thoughts.

I had met "Bob" months ago, when I was hosting out of hotels. He kept in touch. Bob is pretty much a perfect person to see; kind, respectful, safe, and just a good guy.

He has kept in touch, and knows that I can now host.

Some clients really hate going to hotels. Or if they heard that I live in Pittsburgh and host out of hotel, they thought something was off.

When I found a deal that I could not pass up, I am in a position to host.

Bob has a very busy job, I respect that. And I also made a mistake. There are a few things to discuss here. And I am not picking on anyone, this purely makes for interesting conversation.

I know Bob is busy. And I was also at fault. Though he said, make sure you are home tomorrow (which was yesterday).

I have a flexible, remote job. I purposely chose that for many reasons, that may be too private to list on here. Though the night before, I made sure to scrub the bathroom for nearly a few hours and the kitchen floor.

Bob did not give me a time. That's where I should have said something.

So 2pm, going into 3pm came along. I sent a text, he said he was busy.

Did the appointment happen? No.

A few things to discuss.

I have had maybe I can do this day, I will probably be in Pittsburgh this day. Maybe I can get away this time frame. That is not the same as one inquiring a few days ahead of time saying (example) I should be back to the hotel at 5-7, though will give you an exact time the day of the appointment. That's fine. However, please give me an exact time. This occasionally happens, and I can not reasonably have an appointment, with no time. This has happened a handful of times.

Considering that I generally do not collect deposits, I had sent Bob a cancellation fee. Bob paid. Though prior to paying, he wrote me a text "I felt that this was transactional, and I do not want to feel like every other customer."

I have been told over and over again by people that I do not create that atmosphere.

A few things here. Because I was thinking, what?

I am not a revolving door. I am low volume.

I have a very flexible job, though this is not my only source of income.

I pride myself on being a nice individual.

Yes, I will have a lazy day. I just went to the grocery store in my pj's. Though I try to lead a busy life. I think that is healthy.

I had said, "In no way did I mean to offend you. I understand that you are a busy person. Though I need to place my responsibilities on the side. However, its not fair to have someone not show up. In a sense as income that I make doing this line of work is used to pay for bills or expenses, it is transactional until you arrive for an appointment. I have a busy life, and it's not fair to not hear from you."

I received an understand, and he paid for the cancellation fee. Which invites him back and it was the right thing to do. Though I also received a text that said, may I give you a piece of advice. I said OK, with Bob not responding.

If you don't like a picture, or notice something mundane please feel free to speak up.

I am certainly open to constructive criticism, yet I have two business degrees from Duquesne University. I may be ok on the business side.

I aim to establish relationships with individuals that want to have a provider that they are comfortable with. For the client, it provides a sort of safety line. I am safe to see and may be capable of an intelligent conversation. You will never hear from me, unless you text me. I may have a social drink, though I am drug free. For me, doing appointments are like seeing an old friend.

I'm slightly confused. Though just as there are many providers to chose from, there are plenty of "Bobs" in the sea.