Hasn’t happened in a very, very long time - and wasn’t a professional call.

A woman called me wanting advice.

• She heard me speak several years ago.
• Thought I could help her out.
• I took the call.

Seems she was booked to facilitate a chapter retreat.

• Focus: Getting more members involved.
• Issue: She doesn’t know a lot about getting more members involved.
• She’s a facilitator - not a subject matter expert.

So she called me.

At first I thought she wanted to book me to run the retreat.

• “No!” she gasped.
• SHE was doing the retreat.

I asked if she was looking for content or help creating the retreat.

• I wasn’t sure what she wanted from me.
• I didn’t know her.
• What was she asking for?

She blew up, “I can tell you aren’t into this!”

Huh?

“You are not excited about the opportunity to help me!”

• I tried to explain my energy was lower than normal due to being tired from last minute Lazy Leader  book stuff.
• She wouldn’t hear it.

“You obviously aren’t interested in this!”

• Click.
• She was gone.
• Just as I was about to point her to ASAE’s Decision to Volunteer work.

Grandma always said you attract more bees with honey than vinegar.

• My hang up caller must have missed the memo.
• I feel sorry for the association she’s going to be working with.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…Do you use honey or vinegar when asking others to help you out?