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View Full Version : Very weird email/conversation


blueyes
11-30-2005, 03:53 PM
We're a global company - our offices network like mad; if Chicago can't handle something, they call Houston. If Westford wants something done in SC, they hand it off to Columbia. I've been asked by our Philadelphia office to handle some work in WV (one of the few places we don't have any offices at all). I say, Sure! No Problem! I know the project is a sore spot with practically everyone involved, so I'm trying to be amendable and easy-going. Might've turned on me...

I get an email from the guy in Philly who's thanked me profusely no less than five times on the phone:

"I really appreciate your patience during this entire debacle. Even though the right half of my body is numb right now, and anytime someone runs the microwave I pee all over myself and forget my name for an hour. I will remember this. The next time either you are in Philly or I am in Pittsburgh (let's hope that never happens), dinner is on me. Once again thank you for your help. By the way, even though the Eagles are down right now, along with the Phillies, Flyers and Sixers, we still have, well, nothing. Never mind, someone is running the microwave again.

Talk to you soon."

I can pass this off as slightly off-kilter office humor; he's under a decent amt. of stress b/c 2 project managers have passed the buck to this guy. BUT I get a phone call from him about 5 minutes after the email and we chat for about 10 minutes about n-o-t-h-i-n-g. I mentioned the project and some things I was unsure about a couple of times, but he answered them and just continued on talking about non-work things (e.g. football, how much the Eagles suck, how he's going to have to take me out for dinner as a thank-you...). He also called me on my cell, even though he knows I'm in the office - which leads me to believe that he tried me on my office phone and didn't get me, so he tried the cell then.

What in the hell is going on?! :confused:

tina1979
11-30-2005, 03:58 PM
I have conversations with my customers and sales guys like this one all the time. Its just empty promises and kissing up to make sure that you get it done. Every now and then a sales guy will actually follo3w through and send us something. I have off opic conversations all the time, football, hockey, kids, dog's chiropractor. It just helps build a more comfortable relationship especially if you are going to be working closely with the person. I enjoy talking to the people I have relationships like that with the best. I look forward to those phone calls. Thats what keeps me coming every morning.

temptation
11-30-2005, 04:06 PM
I have conversations with my customers and sales guys like this one all the time. Its just empty promises and kissing up to make sure that you get it done. Every now and then a sales guy will actually follo3w through and send us something. I have off opic conversations all the time, football, hockey, kids, dog's chiropractor. It just helps build a more comfortable relationship especially if you are going to be working closely with the person. I enjoy talking to the people I have relationships like that with the best. I look forward to those phone calls. Thats what keeps me coming every morning.


I agree. It keeps things interesting, and plus, if you're ever in Philly you should take him up on his offer. A free dinner and a tour guide.....Not a bad deal.

Morgan81
11-30-2005, 05:27 PM
He was probably just WAY under the guy and was blowing off some stress.... or he saw your face on some company publication and has a shrine to you in his cube, bribed the maintanence guys in your building to install a webcam above your cube in the air duct or is in your bushes as you read this.

I wouldn't put money on that second option, he's just burnt out.

lilyflower
11-30-2005, 10:58 PM
Um, something in the water? I mean, he might just be that kind of goofy personality or he's losing it. Odd though.