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today but I can't get you into Wilmington," my rep in Phoenix said. (I know where she lived because while she rebooked my ticket we discussed her meteorological hobbies, including the fact that there was unseasonable weather in Phoenix. "People expect you to know what the weather is doing so you can give them recommendations," she said.)
That's not how it's supposed to work
I had been to New York to view "Camp: Notes on Fashion," the Costume Institute exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Then I hitched a ride to Rhode Island for a weekend in the hammock at my friend's Little Compton farmhouse.
I was expecting a relatively easy up and back flight because the ONE direct flight from Wilmington's airport that I use frequently and love is the ILM-LGA trip. It is rarely canceled. It's cheap to grab a seat. It's a frequent trip for me to top off my cultural well and where I can spy on trends. And eat the best cookies in the world.
Mid-Trip Workday
When I'm off, I'm OFF. Do not call me. Do not text me. Or do, but I probably won't answer unless it is an emergency. Before my recent Europe trip, I told my project manager, "You want to see what grumpy really is? Call me all the time while I'm gone. No really. Try it."
During this trip, I went up on Wednesday and that was my vacation day. No emails. No phone calls. No work.
Thursday was an office day, and my out of office email reflected that. I set up the expectation that I was out on Wednesday and that I would take care of problems or issues on Thursday. On Wednesday I could relax because I knew my clients knew what to expect.
I woke up Thursday I was so tired from running around all day Wednesday that I was glad I didn't feel the need to run around the city. I was fine sitting on the couch and doing work. I was happy with my planning.
This is Brand New Information
I thought I was allergic to work while on vacation. Turns out I am only allergic to working on days when I expect to be off. If I expect be on, I'm happy as a clam to proceed with business as usual.
The Bottom Line
This whole thing was a big reminder for me about why it is so important for me to set reasonable expectations for myself and for my clients.
I was real dang mad when my flight got canceled, because I expected it not to be.
In my business, every time I send a quote, publish a marketing piece, visit with a client, talk about a deliverable, I'm setting expectations.
Pretty much all disappointment happens because the results are different than the expectations.
If I want a good experience for everyone I need to set reasonable expectations and it takes constant vigilance to do this.
To not price too low to do a good job and to only promise what I absolutely know I can deliver.
#Cancel the #Cancelling
The next thing I'm going to work on is not being so upset when I get stranded in Charlotte because it's gonna happen, more than I'd like. It's up to me to expect that a canceled flight is not going to cancel my whole day.
Next: Pics from Notes on Fashion and then your bookmarks of the week.
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