Funny how things change over the years from loving public holidays when being an employee to hating them when working for yourself. Totally opposite perspectives even though having a break is probably a good thing for you. Hate may be too strong a word so more of a dislike.
When I was working for a company I knew well in advance when the public holidays were and planned in advance and these days they tend to catch me out by surprise. I obviously knew Easter was coming and the timing is just not the best really considering how important this period with the new pricing is.
Last week on Wednesday I saw some businesses had already closed for the long weekend and you just know not much is going to be accomplished until they are back on Tuesday/Wednesday next week. Tuesday will be catching up work they missed last week so Wednesday would be the more realistic time line for starting up again.
The biggest problem is speaking to the correct people who make the decisions and they will tend to be unavailable until Wednesday. When you are chasing targets like I have been then every day counts and the pressure ramps up.
At the back of my head I know I have to make another trip shortly to see my mother who is rather poorly these days and time is not on our side. I knew this was time sensitive and have been following my brothers guidance on this and advised a visit in April to help pick everyone up. I think he needs it as much as my mother does as the poor guy is living and seeing the deterioration first hand. In some ways I am fortunate to not have to live through this tragic scenario first hand even though it affects us all.
The upside on the packaging business front is there is a game plan with at least 8 clients that need talking to and visiting over the coming weeks. I rate myself with my abilities when it comes to conversion rates and would be disappointed if all 8 were not new clients within the next few months.
There will be others contacting the office for pricing this week which is an added bonus as this gives you an immediate introduction through the door. The more the merrier so we must be patient and see how many first because these increases were the biggest the plastics industry has ever faced. The hope is these clients open up on their pricing so I can help make the difference they are seeking. This should not be that difficult as the numbers is where I shine and can give an immediate yes or no without hesitation.
When you enjoy working as much as I do then you do not see work as a job and more like a play ground. Meeting new people seeing what these companies do is fascinating and each day is so different. Knowing you can save them substantial money is the really fun part and it never gets old. Watching their faces change when you tell them is priceless because some of the savings are mind blowing and you can see them realising how much they have been ripped off.