This tip comes from a recent job I did for a new client. Well, the tip is not so much from the job, but what transpired while acquiring the job. Hence the title of this post – Too much information. The short story is this;
An email came in from a prospective client, through my website, asking me to give them a call to discuss a problem they were having with their safe.
Upon calling the client and discussing their problem, it was determined that I could help them with their problem. We then discussed fees, I was given the clients address and a time was setup to meet them at their premises.
The job ended up being pretty simple — the client had caught an object (in this case a coin tube) behind the safe door locking bolt causing a jam — so, the job went smoothly, I were paid and all ended well for everyone.
I bet you’re scratching your head, thinking this sounds pretty routine. Well, you’d be right (which is the reason for this post), but what I’m referring to is when too much information is given out by the client.
All too often do I talk to someone who offers too much information, and they may not even be aware they’re doing it.
For example – Client: “When can you come? I need to have this opened by {some date} because I am leaving the country for two weeks.”. This is too much information. If you can’t see why, there is no need for me (or anyone else) to know that you are leaving the country for two weeks. The less people that know you’re going to be away from your home or office for extended periods of time, the better you will be. Alternatively, you can say something such as “When can you come? Id’ really like to have this opened by {some date}.” and leave it at that – I don’t need to know WHY at all.
Here’s another scenario – Client: “When can you come? I’d really like to have this opened by {some date} as I need to get my passport.”. By adding the fact that you need your passport, you have, once again, led to the fact that you are leaving the country. Too much information.
In closing, there are many more examples I could give you, but I am hoping that I have given you enough for thought. Be careful what you say, particularly to those that you don’t know. Before giving out any information, ask yourself “Does this person NEED this information?“.
