In the Land of the Blind

This is the name of the chapter I am reading in Michael Lewis's book  "The Big Short".  It seemed to recapture a conversation I had with a parent yesterday.

Here is the story.  The parent called last year and wanted to join a book 2 class because it fit her schedule.  I said that would not be possible.  She insisted so I said her daughter could preview the class.  I vaguely remember all her friends were in the class.  But as you all know, walking into a Book 2 class with no previous experience and like landing on the Moon.  It because obvious to the parent.  She then agreed to attend a book 1 class I guess, registered, took material and then dropped out because the schedule didn't work for her.  I only know this because I made a note in my control journal.  She kept the material and I said she was welcome to call in September if the schedule worked better for her.

Fast foward to yesterday morning.  I get a last minute call.  Hi, do you remember me?  (NO)  We would like to join your Thursday MMK1 class. (I had 5 in the class, down from nine, which I split to two classes so she would make it six).  I said it would be fine.  Then she wanted a full list of all the students in the class.  She was very worried her daughter would either be the oldest or the youngest. (Warning sign one) Since she was neither she seemed OK but was worried her didn't know anyone.  (Warning sign two).  I suggested she preview the class.

Parent and child attend class.  I still have no memory of parent or daughter but I have a vague feeling of unease with parent as if I had....I don't know something unresolved.... whatever.  So they joined the class and it was a lovely class. As I was handing out material, the child demanded, "Where is my material?" Of course I showed her my copies and said we would talk briefly after class.  I said good bye to all and sat on floor with daughter and parent.  Parent had brought a Book 1 minus cards and the first three pages completed.  I asked where the cards were and she did not know.  I asked if she had two CDs and she answered she had one CD.  This conversation continued in this line for 10 minutes as we sought a way to replace the missing pieces without ordering a new set (tip: when a parent is rejoining, make sure you have a policy that she shows you the full material with no missing parts or she purchases a new complete set).  I pulled out all my donated cards, my enabling self kicking in, suggesting I could spend my valuable time re-creating all the cards, renaming cards, you know the whole scene.  A piano student was walking in  at this point and I had not reset the studio.  Then she said,

"You said this is a preview class. (I did?)  We will go home and decide if we want to join."

Got Me!

I did not expect that.... sometimes we get so far in content we forget context.  She said goodbye and I was left with a messy floor with replacements cards  and piano lesson beginning late and a sour taste in my mouth.

Closing deals are the hardest part of this business.

Remember what Warren Buffet said,

Writing a check separates a commitment from a conversation.


In the future I will remember,  no home material discussions until the check is in my hand.  Also trust your gut and wait until the parent is on board before investing time.