As the date to pay my son’s college fees drew nearer, the tension built. His bank account had not been opened. I did not have access to the portal. Time zones were getting in the way of sorting simple stuff out and the clock was ticking. Each passing day was bring me closer to the deadline.
Finally, on a Friday, with one week left, I put out a plea for help in the parents WhatsApp group. A host of advice was typed into the chat for which I am grateful. But one kind soul, let’s call him Mr. Kindness offered to speak with me and explain the entire process. A ten-minute call later I was so much more at peace for at least knowing my options and how to go about the entire process. I was reminded of the value of just picking up the phone and speaking and the importance of offering a helping hand.
The bigger lesson however is from my search for a forex dealer. I had three contacts. Let’s call them Mrs. Treasury, Mr. Money and Mr. Paisa.
I sent all three of them the same message. I wanted to know what rate they were offering and what documentation they needed to get the transfer done.
All three of them responded fast. But responding and being responsive to my needs turned out to be different things all together.
Mrs. Treasury sent me a very well worded message saying that it was a banking holiday and then there was a weekend coming up so the information I was seeking would only be available on Monday.
Mr. Money sent me a less eloquent message essentially saying the same thing.
Mr Paisa however hit a home run. He shared the rates he had given the week before. Explained that it fluctuates. Told me transparently his margin and said it is likely to be in xxx range. He then sent me all the documents he needed from me and samples of filled in documents to help me understand how to go about it.
The moral of this story? I remember a quote I used to love. “Don’t let what you cannot do, stop you from doing what you can”.
I can’t fault or blame Mrs. Treasury or Mr. Money. In fact, I don’t. However, Mr. Paisa helped me when I needed my hand to be held. He did what he could to the best of his ability. I found great value in that.
So, the next time a client asks me for help. I can either send them a standard holding statement to buy more time Or I can seek to be of help. Right then. Right there. When they need it. Not when it’s convenient for me. It’s really as simple as that. That’s where dollars are to be found.
Neither Mrs. Treasury or Mr. Money bothered to get back to me as promised on Monday morning. Mr. Paisa was as prompt as he was on Friday, he followed through and delivered. I went in search of the best rate, I found the best service. As I said that’s where dollars are to be found.
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A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
Oh wow that’s fabulous the way you experience life and the way you share it. It was a learning experience to me as well to learn on the go. Thanks buddy