I don’t consider myself to be a shy or introverted person, but when it comes to calling service professionals I become nervous.  I’m not sure why it happens, I just don’t like calling them.  It seems here lately I’ve had many opportunities to face this particular demon head on.  I’m a school teacher, which allows me to have my summers off.  Somehow it seems that all of our home improvements fall during the summer, and obviously I’m the one to handle them seeing as I’m home.

As I called various professionals this summer I realized a few things that seemed to make things easier:

• You don’t have to hire a company if you don’t like them.  You don’t really even have to have a “logical” reason.  If that little voice inside your head says “no”, then find the next number and move on.
• These companies depend on your business, and they will/should be eager to work with you, so you should never feel like you are “putting someone out” by asking them to do their job.
• If you are friendly to the people you talk with, chances are you will get better service.  It all goes back to the good ole golden rule.
• You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand things, it is after all your money and you want to make sure you are getting what you wanted with it.
• Your professional should be able to answer any questions that you have, it’s their job.