Meeting No-Meeting

This was Friday morning and I had a meeting fixed at 10 am with a Client that desired to raise capital for growth and expansion plans. The client had requested for the meeting as they thought that the matter required their urgent attention and also that they needed our help sooner. Since I did not know the details of the company's operations and their expansion plans, I had been speculating about what they may need from us. Thus, it had been difficult for me to prepare for the meeting, although I had alternate plans for all the requirements I could imagine they might need. But my under-preparedness kept playing on my nerves. The week had been hectic and I hadn't been able to even talk to them on phone to better comprehend the purpose of the meeting. So, I was kind of anxious.

I drove my way to their office. I had called up their office to find out the location, but to my dismay, the reception had failed to direct me properly and I was left to the knowledge of strangers walking by to find my way. But there isn't any better way to find your way in India than keep asking people by the roadsides all along until you locate where you desire to reach. It worked effectively again and I could reach in time.

At the reception I was told that the fellow I was supposed to meet hadn't turned up yet and I was told to wait. Out of eagerness, I thought I would call him and check if he was on his way. He picked up the call to tell me that he was laid low by fever and wouldn't be coming to office. He also said that all his efforts to leave a message for me at my office had been futile and hence, this outcome. I was angry but wouldn't express that. When people require to meet you, they will do everything possible to reach you. Our Indian clients do not hesitate in calling you at odd hours and even on Sundays. But when they need to tell you about any changes in the meeting schedule, mostly they will fail to reach you and would not mind blaming everything else in the world. Verbal apologies accompany such explanations, sometimes, very convincing too.

I thanked God for He had some plans for me even in this disappointment, so I could prepare well for the meeting whenever it happens next.

(The picture here is from my second trip to London. A beautiful meeting with the Tower Bridge!)