I received a phone call recently from a potential client. I offered my usual " Complimentary Consultation", and began to book the appointment. Nearing the end of our conversation, I asked her for her address and wrapped up discussing my fee schedule.
At the conclusion of our phone call, I searched the address on my iPhone to begin creating a client folder with my notes and directions to her apartment. When I discovered where her home was located, I questioned to validity of the lead...how could someone who lives "there" afford my services. I did not question the need for services or the fact that the woman was very pleasant on the phone, just was it going to be a waste of my time...as I WAS giving it away for FREE.
I confirmed our meeting the evening before via email and planned on arriving the next day in the afternoon. Still wondering....
I arrived and was greeted by a woman and her two children, aged 12 and 9. I asked the children if they knew why I was there, and they each replied no. I explained that mom wanted a little help to get their apartment more organized, especially the bedrooms. She gave me the grand tour of the 4 bedroom apartment, 1 full bath, a medium sized living room and galley kitchen. Things didn't seem too bad to me. The apartment was furnished rather sparsely, especially the bedrooms, which each had only a bed. Did I mention that she had also adopted her cousin's two children, aged 3 and 4 and that there was an infant on the way from her cousin as well?
My admiration for this woman was forming! She was a single woman and mother to 5 children. She is unemployed and trying to take classes to educate herself for an administrative job. Her last 17 years had been spent in the retail industry, and she needed to find a job that required weekday only work, 9 to 3 or so and this had become increasingly difficult.
After completing my needs analysis, we agreed that there was not much that I could do until she got some dressers for the children's rooms and some additional pieces of furniture that could be utilized for storage. Where was this woman going to get money for furniture, even used furniture, if I was questioning how she was going to pay me for services?
Before my departure, I decided that I had been called to this home for a reason. I have always been a cheerleader for the underdog, and now I was being given a chance to help a woman and her children.
I am in the process of researching resources for this woman: a place where she can procure both furniture and items for the children. In addition, I plan on offering my services at no charge. Not because I'm a martyr...it's the right thing to do.
If you are reading this blog and live in CT and have any dressers you are willing to donate to this family, please comment on my blog. Transporting to the client is necessary as well.
Try paying it forward once in awhile. It's an awesome feeling!
